US Readies Major 9/11 Trial of Gitmo detainees

US military prosecutors are finalizing plans for a major trial against Guantanamo’s 9/11 suspects, sources tell the New York Times. Among those likely to be charged is Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who has claimed full responsibility for the attacks. “The thinking was 9/11 is the heart and soul of the whole thing. The thinking was: go for that,” one official said.

There are 14 "high value" Gitmo detainees, but how many would be charged—and with what—is still uncertain; even if charges were disclosed soon it could be months before a trial could be held, lawyers said. For the Bush administration the case could bring closure—or put recent issues back into the spotlight, including questions of torture and prisoner abuse.