Secretary Austin was “surprised“ by the deal that was made without the Defense Department’s knowledge.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revoked pre-trial agreements that had been reached last week between a U.S. military commission and three suspects of the 9/11 attacks. Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters on Monday that the secretary “was certainly surprised as we all were” that the Office of Military Commissions enacted such an agreement.
“This is not something that the secretary was consulted on,” Spokesperson Singh said. “We were not aware that the prosecution or defense would enter the terms of the plea agreement.”
“This is a case of such significance that the secretary felt it was appropriate for the authority to rest with him,” she added.
All three suspects are being held at the Guantanamo Bay facility and are accused of planning the September 11, 2001, attacks. Secretary Austin believes that the suspects should be brought to trial, which is why he revoked the plea deal reached by the Office of Military Commissions.
The White House has also said it was not aware of the deal before it was announced.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Defense Secretary Austin and Pentagon personnel and officials as they review and evaluate military commissions’ and bureaus’ actions.
- For wisdom for the defense secretary as he uses his authority and oversees the U.S. Armed Forces.
Sources: The Hill
