Thursday, May 15, 2008

Why has the US dropped 9/11 charges?

 

By Adam Brookes
BBC News, Washington


Mohammed al-Qahtani during a hearing in Yemen, 22 February 2006

Mohammad al-Qahtani was a suspect in the first capital case at Guantanamo

The American government has given no reason why charges against the man it has alleged was the "20th hijacker" in the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US have been dropped.

Mohammad al-Qahtani has been held at Guantanamo Bay since 2002, following his detention in Afghanistan.

In February, he was charged with conspiracy, terrorism, and murder in violation of the laws of war, among other offences.

The US alleges he attempted to come to the United States in order to take part in the 9/11 attacks, but was stopped at the airport on his arrival.

An immigration officer suspected he intended to stay in the US illegally, and refused him entry.

The charges were dropped "without prejudice" - which means they could be brought again at a later date.

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