TRA‘VEST’Y OF JUSTICE:
Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed won approval to wear camouflage gear made by US military clothier Rothco.
Khalid Sheik Mohammed
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — A military judge gave mass murdering Khalid Sheik Mohammed a chance to rant today at his pre-trial hearing, pouring salt in the wounds of 9/11 victim family members in attendance – who were already enraged to see the 9/11 mastermind saunter into court dressed in a US-made military-style camouflage vest.
Making two callous references to 9/11, Mohammed droned on for five minutes about national security, torture and military strategy.
“The government, at the end of the argument gave you an advice,” KSM, speaking Arabic, said through a translator.
“ They told you any decision you’re going to issue you’re going to have to keep in mind the national security and to remember that there were 3,000 people killed on Sept 11.
“ I would like to give you a similar advice. Any decision you would take you have to keep in mind that the government is using the definition of national security as it chooses. And this expression has a definition in the military commision’s rules.”
Mohammed’s bizarre diatribe marked his first extensive public remarks in more than four years.
After interrupting the proceedings with the unusual request to speak, KSM went on to assail President Obama for authorizing drone strikes, and made a cryptic reference to the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin-Laden.
“ I don’t want to be long, but I can say that the president can take someone and throw him in the sea under the name of national security,” Mohammed said.
“He can also legislate the assassinations of national security for American citizens. My only advice to you that you do not get affected by the crocodile tears (of the American government) because your (American) blood is not made of gold and ours is made of water. We are all human beings.”
Family members of 9/11 victims were visibly disturbed as they watched Mohammed speak from their seats in the courtroom gallery. Some shifted in their seats and sighed.
When the judge said he would not allow future speeches, one family member was heard saying, “good.”
Mohammed and one other defendant attended the pretrial motions hearing. Three defendants chose to stay in their cells. The five are charged with planning and aiding the worst terrorist attack on US soil.