9/11 suspects reject defense lawyers despite facing death penalty

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
The accused mastermind of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks said he welcomed martyrdom at US hands, as he and four co-defendants asked to be tried for war crimes without the benefit of lawyers. Thursday's arraignment at this isolated US Navy base marked the first time that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the former No. 3 leader of al-Qaida, has been seen since he was captured in Pakistan in 2003. Mohammed said he would welcome being executed after the judge warned him he faces the death penalty if convicted of organizing the attacks on America. "Yes, this is what I wish, to be a martyr for a long time," Mohammed said. "I will, God willing, have this, by you."