Updated

Lawyers for Osama bin Laden's son-in-law and former spokesman say they want to interview accused Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed before a New York terrorism trial.

The lawyers for Sulaiman Abu Ghaith (SOO'-lay-mahn AH'-boo GAYTH) filed papers Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. The lawyers said Mohammed was "the most qualified person alive" with information about whether Abu Ghaith knew of any al Qaeda terrorist operations or was part of any conspiracy to kill Americans.

Abu Ghaith is scheduled to go on trial this month on charges that he conspired to kill Americans in his role as al-Qaida's spokesman after the Sept. 11 attacks. He has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

A prosecutor's spokesman declined to comment on the defense request.