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Local Resident Raises Concern Over National Decision to Try Accused 9-11 Conspirators
11/14/09 - 07:44 PM
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A White House decision is affecting one Panama City resident in a very personal way.  Don Arias has been vocal about his support of the Global War on Terror after losing his brother when the second tower in the World Trade Center collapsed. The decision to try those accused of designing the 9-11 attacks was announced a few days ago by the White House. 

“From what people are calling ground zero, the devastation is complete and utter…” Don Arias gives his account of what ground zero looks like soon after the tragedy 8 years ago.  The video that you’re seeing is from Arias’ visit to ground zero to look for any sign of the brother he lost when the second tower collapsed on 9-11. 

Friday the White House announced its decision to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the 9-11 mastermind, and his co-conspirators in civilian court.  Arias admits that he “…was just shocked. I was shocked not just because they were going to get all the rights that you and I have, but I was shocked in the way I found out.”

Those like Arias that disagree with the decision to try detainees in federal court don’t believe the rights that American citizens have…rights to both a fair and speedy trial…exist for men like Mohammed.  Opposition to the president also believes that most evidence gathered in the case will have to be thrown out when it could be used in military court.

Arias, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, explains that this could compromise classified military information:  “In other words our techniques and tactics will be divulged in open court now. There is a need for secrecy. We need to protect our overseas allies.  There are some people overseas that are helping us in the War on Terror that don’t necessarily want to be associated with us publicly.  Well, now this courtroom will be a public forum.”

Those that support the White House decision believe that the secrecy that’s characteristic of military court wouldn’t allow the 9-11 defendants an opportunity for a fair trial. 

Attorney General Eric Holder announced Friday that the prosecution does plan to seek the death penalty for the 5 defendants.