Military trial possible for 9/11 suspect: Biden

US Vice President Joe Biden says the administration has not ruled out a military trial for the professed mastermind of the September 11 terror attacks even if a civilian trial would be preferable.

Washington: US Vice President Joe Biden says the administration has not ruled out a military trial for the professed mastermind of the September 11 terror attacks even if a civilian trial would be preferable.
Biden, in defending the Obama administration from critics of its approach to prosecuting accused terrorists, said in interviews aired on Sunday that it is not yet clear where Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other September 11 suspects held at the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, will be tried.

However, Biden said he believes Mohammed will be found guilty regardless of the venue. His remarks echoed comments last month by White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, who said Mohammed "is going to meet justice and he`s going to meet his maker."

President Barack Obama will make the final decision about the trial, Biden said.

Republicans and some Democrats argue that terrorists should be treated not as criminals but as enemy combatants and tried by military commissions.

Last year, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that Mohammed`s trial would take place in federal court in New York City. City officials later opposed the idea because of security and logistical concerns, and some senators are trying to stop any Guantanamo detainees from being brought to the United States for a civilian trial.

Obama`s National Security Adviser, James Jones, said on Sunday that Holder is heading a review into the matter and will advise Obama on the course to take.

PTI

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