Advocating for Justice in 9/11 Guantanamo Case

In January 2025, on behalf of the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT), the oldest and largest torture rehabilitation organization in the United States, Katya Jestin, Matthew Hellman, Ian Moss, and Mary-Claire Spurgin filed an amicus brief in support of a petition for mandamus to the DC Circuit.  The amicus brief advocated for the reinstatement of plea agreements entered by the accused co-conspirators of the 9/11 attacks in the 9/11 Guantanamo Military Commission case.  In August 2024, the plea agreements were unilaterally withdrawn by then Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, which resulted in litigation before the DC circuit seeking their reinstatement.  CVT argued that reinstatement of the guilty pleas and associated agreements were in the public interest and the best way to achieve judicial finality for all parties involved given that the 9/11 case has been mired in seemingly interminable pre-trial litigation related to the well-documented torture of the accused 9/11 co-conspirators while in U.S. custody.  CVT argued that the plea agreements served as the best path to achieve a modicum of justice for 9/11 victim family members and society, while also providing accountability for the torture of the accused by U.S. personnel.

 

 

© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

Advocating for Justice in 9/11 Guantanamo Case

In January 2025, on behalf of the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT), the oldest and largest torture rehabilitation organization in the United States, Katya Jestin, Matthew Hellman, Ian Moss, and Mary-Claire Spurgin filed an amicus brief in support of a petition for mandamus to the DC Circuit.  The amicus brief advocated for the reinstatement of plea agreements entered by the accused co-conspirators of the 9/11 attacks in the 9/11 Guantanamo Military Commission case.  In August 2024, the plea agreements were unilaterally withdrawn by then Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, which resulted in litigation before the DC circuit seeking their reinstatement.  CVT argued that reinstatement of the guilty pleas and associated agreements were in the public interest and the best way to achieve judicial finality for all parties involved given that the 9/11 case has been mired in seemingly interminable pre-trial litigation related to the well-documented torture of the accused 9/11 co-conspirators while in U.S. custody.  CVT argued that the plea agreements served as the best path to achieve a modicum of justice for 9/11 victim family members and society, while also providing accountability for the torture of the accused by U.S. personnel.

 

 

© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

News and Insights

Publications

"DC Circuit Undercuts Congress's Subpoena Power: Important New Authority for Targets of Congressional Investigations," National Law Journal

In the National Law Journal, Congressional Investigations Co-Chair Emily Loeb, Special Counsel David Manners-Weber, and Associate Kate Mather examine a recent DC Circuit decision that gives fresh weight to 2020 Supreme Court dicta on common-law privileges in congressional investigations.

July 30, 2026

Publications

Meghan Greenfield Discusses Top Environmental Policies to Watch in Law360

Partner Meghan Greenfield spoke to for an article highlighting the key environmental regulatory developments expected in the second half of 2026. Meghan discussed the legal reasoning the agency may rely on as it considers further rulemaking addressing greenhouse gas pollution, and hurdles the agency may face. 

July 22, 2026

Publications

Partner Meghan Greenfield Quoted in The Associated Press on Offshore Wind and National Security

Partner Meghan Greenfield spoke with The Associated Press for an article examining the Trump Administration's use of national security justifications to halt offshore wind development.

July 21, 2026

Podcasts

Partner Laurel Loomis Rimon Discusses Fintech Enforcement, Debanking, and Regulatory Risk on Fintech Layer Cake Podcast

Partner Laurel Loomis Rimon was featured on the Fintech Layer Cake podcast, where she discussed how fintech enforcement and prosecution actually work in practice, and what exposes fintechs and banks to regulatory risk.

July 15, 2026

Event

Partner Suedeen Kelly to Speak at ABA SEER's 34th Fall Conference

On Thursday, October 15, Partner Suedeen Kelly will speak on a panel at the American Bar Association's Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (ABA SEER) 34th Fall Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

October 15, 2026