This story is free to read.

Q&A: Next steps in the Benghazi case

This artist's rendering shows United States Magistrate, Judge John Facciola, swearing in the defendant, Libyan militant Ahmed Abu Khatallah, wearing a headphone, as his attorney Michelle Peterson looks on during a hearing at the federal U.S. District Court in Washington, Saturday, June 28, 2014. The hearing of the Libyan accused of masterminding deadly Benghazi attacks, lasted ten minutes; he pled not guilty to conspiracy Saturday at his first appearance in U.S. court. (AP Photo/Dana Verkouteren) This artist's rendering shows United States Magistrate, Judge John Facciola, swearing in the defendant, Libyan militant Ahmed Abu Khatallah, wearing a headphone, as his attorney Michelle Peterson looks on during a hearing at the federal U.S. District Court in Washington, Saturday, June 28, 2014. The hearing of the Libyan accused of masterminding deadly Benghazi attacks, lasted ten minutes; he pled not guilty to conspiracy Saturday at his first appearance in U.S. court. (AP Photo/Dana Verkouteren)

By Associated Press June 30, 2014 4 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – In the court of public opinion, the 2012 Benghazi attack has been contentious. In the court of law, it’s going to be a grind.

The suspect in the first prosecution arising from the attack is due back in court this week. His trial promises to be a thread-the-needle effort to prosecute and defend an alleged terrorist without spilling security secrets or running afoul of the rights accorded the accused in the U.S. justice system.

Questions and answers about what’s ahead in the case of Ahmed Abu Khattala, charged in the assault that killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens, security officers Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, and information specialist Sean Smith.

Q: What’s the next step?

A: A detention hearing Wednesday in the federal courthouse in Washington where Abu Khattala pleaded not guilty on the weekend.