Return to Transcripts main page

American Morning

American Taliban in Prison

Aired January 25, 2002 - 08:04   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: More now on the case of Taliban- American John Walker Lindh. Late last night, the government turned down a request from his parents for a second visit with their son, but he was allowed to meet with his lawyer. Walker Lindh made his first appearance in court yesterday, and he is now being held near the federal courthouse at the Alexandria Detention Center.

CNN national correspondent Susan Candiotti is live there as well with the latest on what's next for this man -- Susan.

SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Jack. I'll tell you a little bit here about his living conditions. Perhaps you can make out over my shoulder the Alexandria Detention Facility. And John Walker Lindh is one of about 135 prisoners here. This facility has a contract with the U.S. Marshal Service. The set up for him is spartan, but very secure.

Let's give you a look at what his cell looks like. Here is the layout. It measures 7-and-a-half by 7-and-a-half feet. It has a bed, a toilet, a sink, and it is attached to a common area, where a television set is located.

Now, Walker Lindh is designated as one of the high-security prisoners, and as such, he is confined to his cell 23 hours a day. For the remaining hour, he can leave to take a shower, to exercise and to make phone calls. And also, as a Muslim, like those of other faiths, he is allowed to practice his religion.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SHERIFF JAMES DUNNING, ALEXANDRIA POLICE: We do have lots of Muslims on occasion, and we are -- they are sensitive to their needs to practice their religion. They are permitted reading materials appropriate for their faith. They are permitted to practice their faith while in custody, and in fact, last evening, one of the deputies pointed out to Mr. Lindh which direction was east, so that he could properly situate himself for prayer.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CANDIOTTI: He is also allowed as many meetings with his lawyers as he wishes, and in fact, he got a visit from some of his -- some of the members of his legal team last evening -- back to you, Jack.

CAFFERTY: Susan, other high-profile inmates, names we might recognize in that building behind you?

CANDIOTTI: Yes, as a matter of fact, suspected terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui is also housed here, as well as convicted spy, Robert Hanssen -- Jack.

CAFFERTY: All right. Susan Candiotti live this morning from the facility in Alexandria, where they are holding John Walker Lindh.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.