A military judge has ruled that plea agreements in the 9/11 case were valid, making it possible for the three prisoners accused of helping to plot the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to be sentenced to life in prison instead of death.

A judge’s decision to allow plea deals in three 9/11 cases sets up a confrontation with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who opposes the Guantánamo court ruling.

Justice president Brett Eagleson says a public trial is the best way to learn everything about the 2001 attacks.

The US government plans to appeal a military judge’s ruling that plea deals with the alleged 9/11 conspirators at Guantanamo Bay — which were revoked by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin — are valid, a defense official said Saturday.

In July, prosecutors announced they had entered into pretrial plea agreements that would allow the alleged co-conspirators to plead guilty to lesser charges and avoid the death penalty.

A judge’s decision to allow plea deals in three 9/11 cases sets up confrontation with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who opposes the Guantanamo court ruling.