9/11 suspects reject defense lawyers at Guantanamo despite facing death penalty

The accused mastermind of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks said he welcomed martyrdom at U.S. hands, as he and four codefendants asked to be tried for war crimes without the benefit of lawyers.

Thursday's arraignment at this isolated U.S. Navy base marked the first time that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the former No. 3 leader of al-Qaida, has been seen since he was captured in Pakistan in 2003.

Mohammed said he would welcome being executed after the judge warned him he faces the death penalty if convicted of organizing the attacks on America.

"Yes, this is what I wish, to be a martyr for a long time," Mohammed said. "I will, God willing, …