A military judge has thrown out another confession in the Sept. 11 terrorism case. The ruling adds to a growing set of excluded statements from the defendants. Prosecutors had relied on these admissions as their strongest evidence.
The decision affects statements made during interrogations in 2007. Those admissions were long viewed as central to the government’s case. The judge found problems with how the statements were obtained.
Defense lawyers have argued that the interrogations involved coercion. They say the methods used tainted the confessions. The judge agreed that the statements cannot be used at trial.
This is not the first confession to be excluded in the case. Earlier rulings removed other admissions for similar reasons. The pattern raises questions about the remaining evidence.
Prosecutors must now decide how to proceed without the statements. They may seek to introduce other evidence at trial. The case has faced repeated delays and legal challenges.
The defendants are accused of plotting the Sept. 11 attacks. They face charges including terrorism and murder. The proceedings are taking place before a military commission.
Legal experts say the ruling could reshape the trial strategy. It may also affect future cases involving interrogation methods. The judge’s decision is expected to be appealed.
