The long-awaited trial of the suspects for the attacks on the USA on September 11, 2001, began with a preliminary hearing at which the "mastermind" of the terrorist operation, Khalid Sheikh Muhammad, and four co-accused members of "Al Qaeda" appeared before the judges.
After 11 years since the terrorist attacks and nine and a half years since his arrest in Pakistan, the main suspect appeared before the judges at the US base Guantanamo in Cuba on Monday.
Sheikh Mohammed is accused of organizing the attacks in which 2.976 people died, while Ramzi Binalshib, Mustafa Ahmad al Hawsawi, Ali Abd al Aziz and Waled bin Atash are accused of providing financial resources and other assistance to the extremists who piloted the planes.
"I don't believe there is justice in this court," said 47-year-old Sheikh Muhammad when Judge James Paul asked him if he understood what his rights were.
During the five-day preparatory hearing, confidential issues of national importance will be considered, which is why media organizations and human rights groups have requested the transparency of the process, since a certain part of the court sessions will be closed to the public.
Journalists also protested the court's decision to allow the media and the public to hear statements during the trial with a 40-second delay behind glass that prevents the audience from hearing anything from the courtroom.
According to them, the delay, which allows the military to censor statements that could threaten national security, is a violation of freedom of speech and the press, guaranteed by the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
The five defendants face the death penalty if found guilty, but the trial at the military court in Guantanamo is not expected to begin for another year, the agencies reported.
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