Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the suspected mastermind behind the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Center towers, was charged with murder and war crimes on February 11, 2008.

CIA torture memos released in April of 2009 stated that Mohammed was waterboarded, an interrogation technique that simulates drowning, more than 183 times.Mail Online: 9/11 'Mastermind' was Waterboarded 183 Times by the CIA... Former President George W. Bush admitted in an interview that he personally authorized the controversial interrogation technique for Mohammed.YouTube Video: Bush I Personally Authorized Torture Of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

Mohammed was captured on March 1, 2003, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He was taken into U.S. custody and was held Guantanamo Bay. Mohammed and the organization Human Rights Watch have alleged that he was tortured while in U.S. custody. One of the methods they say was used, is the controversial intimidation tactic known as waterboarding. The use of waterboarding was later confirmed in torture memos released by the CIA.

Military prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Mohammad and four other defendants, are detained at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility in Cuba. The Pentagon assigned Prescott Prince as Mohammed's defense attorney.

During a closed-door hearing in Guantanamo Bay in March of 2007, Mohammed testified and confessed that he was responsible for the 9-11 operation. He also confessed to planning a number of attacks and to his involvement in attacks already carried out. Some of his confessions include plotting to attack Heathrow Airport, the murder of Daniel Pearl and planned assassination attempts on Pope John Paul II and Bill Clinton.

On January 19, 2009, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and Ramzi Binalshibh admitted their guilt during a hearing at the Guantanamo Bay prison. The tribunal will continue, despite procedural changes to the jury panel members.Al Jazeera: 9/11 suspects face new hearing (January 19, 2009)