A US military guard post in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. AP
A US military guard post in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. AP

Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and two other 9/11 defendants reach plea deal with US



The US government announced on Wednesday that it had reached plea agreements with three men accused of involvement in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa Al Hawsawi, being held by the US in Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, have agreed to plead guilty in exchange for avoiding the death penalty, The New York Times reported.

The three men “have agreed to plead guilty to all of the charged offences, including the murder of the 2,976 people listed in the charge sheet”, said a letter signed by Admiral Aaron Rugh, the chief prosecutor for military commissions.

The letter was addressed to family members of victims of the 9/11 attacks.

It said the men could submit their pleas in open court as early as next week.

The three accused, along with two other defendants, were initially charged jointly and arraigned on June 5, 2008, according to a release by the US Department of Defence.

They were again charged jointly and arraigned a second time on May 5, 2012, in connection with their alleged roles in the September 11 attacks.

The defendants have been accused of a multitude of crimes, including murder, terrorism and plane hijacking.

Mr Mohammed, a US-educated engineer, is the alleged mastermind behind the attacks.

The three men and two others previously presented plea conditions last September, but these were rejected by the administration of President Joe Biden.

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How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

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Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

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Company: Bidzi

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● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid

● Based: Dubai, UAE

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Abaya trends

The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.

Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Updated: August 01, 2024, 4:15 AM