Guantanamo Bay, Cuba - The judge presiding over the trial of the suspects in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on Thursday delayed a request by one of the defendants to dismiss his attorneys, citing the need to clarify his mental state. Ramzi bin al-Shibh demanded that he represent himself in the trial, but one of his military appointed lawyers, Navy Commander Suzanne Lachelier, argued her client was under medication that was affecting his ability to understand the consequences of defending himself without proper legal representation.
The judge, Marine Colonel Ralph Kohlmann, said he would put off a decision but did not rule out allowing bin al-Shibh to represent himself at a future date.
"Given the very serious nature of this case I think it's important we address the medication issue," Kohlmann said.
Bin al-Shibh argued that he was mentally fit and capable of providing for his own defence. He declared that he wanted to receive the death penalty, which he can receive under the charges rendered against him by the military commissions.
"I have been seeking martyrdom for five years," bin al-Shibh said, before adding that he sought to join the hijackers in the September 11 attacks.
"I tried for 9/11 to get a visa and did not," he said.
Kohlmann earlier granted requests by the alleged mastermind of the attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and a second defendant and suspected co-conspirator, Walid Bin Attash, to relinquish their right to attorneys and represent themselves.
