The military judge authorized lawyers to investigate whether Defense Secretary Austin lawfully rescinded a plea agreement with Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and two others accused of the 9/11 attacks, ordering briefings on the question of unlawful influence.
Colonel McCall declined to rule narrowly on the breach of contract, set hearings for September 16, and instructed the government to swiftly provide information on Mr. Austin's decision.
He emphasized that everybody, including the secretary of defense, must follow the rules, and he vowed not to be influenced by any political pressure in the case.
The long-running 9/11 case was thrown into confusion after a Pentagon official signed a resolution agreement for lifetime sentences, later rescinded by Mr. Austin who opted for a death penalty trial.
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