Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other '9/11 plotters' in court

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks have appeared before a US military tribunal at Guantanamo to be charged.

The hearing had an uncertain start, with suspects refusing to answer questions. Breaking their silence, one demanded to speak now saying Americans might kill him during the trial.

An earlier attempt to try the five in a civilian court was halted in 2009.

Newly-introduced rules include a ban on evidence obtained under torture.

But defence lawyers still say the Guantanamo trial system lacks legitimacy because of restricted access to their clients.

The defendants are accused of planning and executing the attacks of 11 September 2001, which saw hijacked planes strike New York, Washington and Shanksville, Pennsylvania and left a total of 2,976 people dead.

They face charges including terrorism, hijacking, conspiracy, and murder.

A small number of victims' relatives are attending Saturday's hearing at the military complex.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-17966362