Prominent 9/11 attorney Michael Barash, a leading advocate for victims of the tragic September 11 attacks, said he was saddened by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's refusal to rescind the 9/11 plea agreement. Describing it as a “devastating betrayal” of his family, the American claimed: “We need answers, not compromises.”
Michael Barash, a prominent 9/11 attorney, condemned the Biden administration's handling of plea deals for 9/11 terrorists, saying, “We have endured 23 years of grief, unanswered questions, and empty promises of justice.'' He called it a blow to “thousands of families.”
Barash, whose firm represents more than 40,000 victims of 9/11, expressed outrage at the possibility of abolishing the death penalty for those responsible for the attacks, saying, “These terrorists are guilty and deserve to be executed.'' is clear beyond a reasonable doubt.”
“As a human being, I understand the unbearable burden placed on families who have waited agonizingly for 23 years for closure. If this petition does not come to fruition, they will face another 10 years of litigation, uncertainty, and… We will face possible delays,” he said.
Emphasizing the ongoing health crisis resulting from the exposure at Ground Zero, Mr. Barash pointed out that: data More than 6,900 deaths and 69 types of cancer have been linked to the attack's harmful aftermath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
“The truth is undeniable: 9/11 did not end with 9/11. Its deadly aftermath continues to claim lives every day,” he said.
Mr. Barash called for full transparency and accountability in plea agreements, saying, “It is important to know the full scope of the plea agreement.”
“The American people deserve answers, not compromise,” he said. “We need these terrorists to rot in maximum security prisons, not glorified resort facilities.”
“And under no circumstances should a detained celebrity be traded in government secrets or used as a political pawn.”
He also emphasized the importance of seeking justice beyond the attackers themselves.
“True justice requires not only punishing the perpetrators, but also holding accountable those who financed, facilitated and turned a blind eye to their agenda,” he declared. .
“Without this accountability, there is a risk that important questions will remain unanswered and justice denied,” he added.
Barash concluded by asserting that “the victims of 9/11, their families, and all Americans deserve nothing less than full accountability, full transparency, and an unwavering pursuit of the utmost justice.”
“Anything less is unacceptable,” he added.
The matter continues to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces deny U.S. officials say Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is trying to overturn plea deals for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other suspects in the 9/11 attacks.
Mr. Barasch is the managing partner of Barasch & McGarry, a 9/11 legal advocacy organization. He has been a strong advocate for victims' rights, secured compensation, and pushed for passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health Compensation Act.
Joshua Klein is a reporter for Breitbart News. Email jklein@breitbart.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joshua Klein.
