Daniel Pearl's Parents Disappointed with Justice Department's Decision to Try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in a Civilian Court

"I decapitated with my blessed right hand the head of the American Jew, Daniel Pearl, in the city of Karachi, Pakistan. For those who would like to confirm, there are pictures of me on the Internet holding his head."---9/11 Mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

The Hill (11-14-09) reports:

The family of slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl expressed disappointment with the Obama administration's decision to try the professed killer of their son, alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, in a civilian court.

A statement provided to The Hill late Saturday night, signed by the foundation created by Pearl's parents, Ruth and Judea Pearl, said:

"We are sorry to learn of the Justice Department decision to try KSM in a NYC Federal Court.

We are respectful of the legal process, but believe that giving confessed terrorists a worldwide platform to publicize their ideology sends the wrong message to potential terrorists, inviting them in essence, to resort to violence and cruelty in order to gain publicity.

We believe that justice is better served if the trial of KSM, the confessed murderer of Daniel Pearl, be held in closed session."