Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

John Walker Lindh Case Returns to Court

Aired April 01, 2002 - 11:12   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.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: The case of John Walker Lindh is back in court today in Alexandria, Virginia. Walker Lindh is accused of working with the Taliban in Afghanistan. And outside the courthouse is our Kelli Arena telling us more about today's discovery proceedings. Kelli, hello.

KELLI ARENA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Daryn. Well, the hearing started at 10:00 a.m. this morning, but Lindh arrived shortly before 7:00 a.m. heavily escorted by federal marshals. His parents are also here, as they have been for each of his court appearances.

The main battle today is over access. The prosecution and the government said that it's provided the defense team with more than 1,000 documents, but his lawyers argue that they're entitled to more. And the main point of contention is over Lindh's so-called confession. His lawyers argue that he was mistreated while in U.S. custody and they want access to as much information and eyewitnesses as they can get in order to prove that point. Of course, the government denies the charge. It will be up to Judge Ellis, who is overseeing the case, to decide what if any new information or new access to witnesses the defense is entitled to -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Kelli Arena in Alexandria, Virginia. Thank you. We're going to cut that one short, a little bit of trouble with your audio there. But let me say welcome back from maternity leave. Good to have you back.

ARENA: Thank you.

KAGAN: Kelli Arena.

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