Why Has the Trial of 9/11 Mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed Not Begun After 20 Years?
By Mian Nadeem | Published September 12, 2026 | 01:27 AM
Several unresolved legal issues, including secret information, human rights violations, and torture, could still prevent the trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, described as the mastermind of the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, from beginning on the scheduled date, according to a US agency report.
Despite Khalid Sheikh Mohammed’s arrest more than 20 years ago, legal obstacles have hindered the case from progressing.
In recent developments, a Guantanamo military judge set June 5, 2028, as the start date for proceedings against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other defendants. However, according to The Associated Press, several legal hurdles remain:
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CIA Custody and Torture: Khalid’s time in CIA custody, including secret locations where he was subjected to harsh interrogations, including simulated drowning, has been a significant legal challenge. His defense argues that confessions made during this period were coerced. This led to lengthy debates over the admissibility of these statements, as highlighted by Amnesty International.
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Confessions and Evidence: A major confession Khalid gave in 2007 was excluded due to coercion and lack of legal representation. Prosecutors chose to proceed without this confession to avoid further delays. They possess other evidence, such as communications records and financial information.
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Classified Information: The case involves CIA secret detention program evidence, creating a debate over disclosing classified information to lawyers, presenting it in court, and protecting national security secrets. Human Rights First notes that pretrial hearings have become separate legal battles over this sensitive matter.
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Judicial System and Delays: The trial is taking place before a military commission at Guantanamo Bay rather than a conventional US Federal court, adding complexity. Changes in judges, prosecutors, and defense teams, along with disruptions caused by COVID-19, have further contributed to delays.
In 2024, prosecutors and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed reached a plea agreement, but the details and its impact on the trial timeline remain to be seen.
