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CNN Live At Daybreak
Latest News on Former Hostage Thomas Hamill; Arab Reaction To Abuse of Iraqi Prisoners
Aired May 04, 2004 - 06:00 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.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: And you're taking another live look at that podium in Germany, where Thomas Hamill's doctors will soon come to the podium to talk more about his injuries. You know he escaped from captors not once but twice. We'll find out if he had any other injuries other than that shot to the arm.
And good morning.
From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
We'll go to that live briefing in Germany as soon as it starts.
But first, the latest headlines for you right now.
New details on the abuse of Iraqi prisoners coming out. The military report now in the hands of CNN says there are, and I'm quoting here, "grave branches of international law." It cites numerous incidents of sadistic, blatant and wanton criminal abuses.
A couple of Republican congressmen -- Christopher Shays of Connecticut and Frank Wolf of Virginia, to be exact -- are calling on the CIA, the FBI and other intelligence agencies to help the U.N. investigate wrongdoing in the Iraqi Oil For Food Program.
Several former U.S. diplomats have sent a scathing letter to President Bush. They say his policy for the Middle East is costing Washington credibility around the globe and is undermining the peace process.
In southern California, an unsettling sign -- take a look at these pictures. Wildfires that usually come later in the summer already flaring up. Hundreds of residents of one community are forced to flee overnight -- now to Chad.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: A changing of the guard in Fallujah -- here is our situation report from Iraq this morning.
The new commander of the Iraqi force taking control of Fallujah entered the outskirts of the city today. The U.S. military tapped Major General Mohammed Latif, who opposed Saddam Hussein, to replace Major General Jassim Mohammed Saleh.
And in the holy city of Najaf, masked gunmen loyal to Muqtada al- Sadr showed off what they say are U.S. military vehicle panels and operation hats. They consider them trophies in the ongoing battles.
Also in Najaf, two American soldiers were wounded today when a rocket propelled grenade fired on their military convoy. It happened near the city's air field. The wounded have now been evacuated to Baghdad.
And right now in Germany, a reunion is being planned for former American hostage Thomas Hamill. He gets to see his wife some time today, we think, and he is expected to wave to the world.
Chris Burns live on the phone for us from the U.S. military facility in Landstuhl, Germany. And we're still awaiting them to walk to that podium -- Chris.
CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, we are, Carol.
We're waiting for the press conference by the surgeon, the orthopedic surgeon who's been caring for Thomas Hamill. And Thomas Hamill himself is coming out to wave from the balcony in about an hour or so. We have gotten a few more details. He had a burger and fries last night, is in good spirits. He did have surgery in captivity to do -- to take care of that bullet wound in his right arm, a bit of surgery, but he needs more surgery, doctors say, and he's going to undergo that back when he goes back to the States.
Did he suffer abuse? The doctor says that he was struck on the side of the head by one of his captors in the first days of captivity. So he had some kind of a bruise from that. But otherwise he has come through quite well, after his three week ordeal that ended just the day, just on Sunday.
I asked the doctor if Hamill was -- said anything about the other people who are still missing. There are two missing coworkers and a U.S. soldier who is still in, believed to be in captivity. He said that he was concerned about them, but that he didn't see them when he was in captivity. He was moved every one to four days.
Will he go back to Iraq? He didn't say. He's going through counseling right now, very intense counseling from a team here at Landstuhl who specializes in dealing with former POWs and former hostages. This is a big sprawling medical center for the injured coming back from Iraq, as well.
Is his wife coming today? It is now believed that she's to arrive tomorrow. We're going to keep you updated on that -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Yes, they're kind of keeping that hush-hush, because, I would assume that the Hamills want that reunion private.
BURNS: Well, exactly. And, in fact, the therapy and the counseling that he's going through includes what they call decompression. And that, the implications of that are that you don't want to stress him out. You want to give him a little time, a little space. And so when he comes out on that balcony, he's going to read a statement, say a couple of words. But they're being very strict here. They're saying no questions. He's just going to come out and wave and say hi.
COSTELLO: All right, Chris Burns, we're going to let you go because we are awaiting that news conference to begin with Thomas Hamill's doctors in Germany. When they approach the podium, we'll head back to Germany live.
Thomas Hamill's escape from his Iraqi captors is giving hope to another American family with a loved one kidnapped in Iraq. Prayers are being said for Army Private Keith Maupin's safe return to his hometown of Burlington, Kentucky. Maupin was kidnapped in the same convoy with Thomas Hamill three weeks ago.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAROLYN MAUPIN, MOTHER OF KIDNAPPED SOLDIER: The entire Maupin family was happy to hear of Thomas Hamill's safe return to the United States' custody yesterday and we would like to send the Hamill family our best wishes for a happy reunion. We remain very optimistic that we will hear word on Matt's status soon. Please continue to keep all soldiers and the missing United States contractors in your prayers and pray for their safe return. With god, all things are possible.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: And thousands of people attended a memorial service in San Jose, California for former NFL player Pat Tillman, who was so moved by the September 11 terrorist attacks that he gave up a $3.5 million career with the NFL to join the Army. As you know, Tillman was killed last month in Afghanistan. He's being remembered as a hero.
The former commander of the military police at the U.S. prison in Iraq says she bears some responsibility for the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners. But Brigadier General Janis Karpinski insists the blame does not rest on her shoulders. Instead, she says the M.P.s got their instructions from military intelligence.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRIG. GEN. JANIS KARPINSKI, U.S. ARMY RESERVE: One of the most despicable aspects of those pictures, those faces on those soldiers, those soldiers who belonged to one of my M.P. companies, absolutely. I don't know how they do this. I don't know how they allowed these activities to get so out of control. But I do know with almost absolute confidence that they didn't wake up one day and decide to do this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: A Canadian living in Los Angeles claims he was tortured and injured shortly after being taken into custody during the war in Iraq. He's now suing the Army for $350,000.
You can catch General Karpinski's complete interview this morning on CNN's "American Morning." That comes your way at 7:00 Eastern.
And probably the loudest outcry against the pictures of prisoner abuse comes from the Arab world.
CNN's Rula Amin has reaction for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RULA AMIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The pictures were on almost every newscast in every Arab country.
Gradiela (ph) works for a Beirut bank.
GRADIELA: It's horrible. It's horrible.
AMIN: Ayman (ph) sells eyeglasses in Amman.
AYMAN: I saw that. That was despicable, disgusting, unbelievable, inhuman. That shows how bad the Americans are.
AMIN: "As an Arab, I was very provoked," says this businessman. "Every Arab was. It's sheer humiliation."
U.S. condemnation of any mistreatment helped little.
(on camera): And not just because of the abuse, but also because the pictures of Arab men naked, kneeling and bending on all fours, touched on a very sensitive chord in the conservative religious Arab culture here. Many say it was a matter of dignity.
(voice-over): Arab networks said they found some former prisoners shown in the pictures. The men said they had not told their families of the abuse. "Too embarrassing," said one.
HAMZA MANSOUR, ISLAMIC OPPOSITION LEADER (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): The American administration came to protect the Iraqi citizens and restore their rights, as they claim. But the hell of the previous regime seemed to be better than the paradise of American administration.
AMIN: One analyst in Beirut says these pictures badly damaged U.S. efforts to sell democracy in the region.
ALI HAMIDI, BEIRUT ANALYST: These scenes, perhaps of torture, of -- are not new in our region. But coming from the Americans, it was new.
ABDUL SALAM MALHAS, BEIRUT ANALYST: I believe that when America had the chance to show its new face, it showed it what we have seen on the TV screens.
AMIN: Newspaper headlines read "The Prisoner Scandal Reveals the Crimes of the Occupation" -- headlines and images that give new ammunition to those opposed to the United States and its occupation in Iraq.
Rula Amin, CNN, Beirut.
(END VIDEOTAPE) COSTELLO: And go to our Web site for more on the prisoner abuse case, including an interview with a former Army interrogator about prison guard methods and danger signs.
A tragic anniversary tops our look at stories making news across America this Tuesday.
An anti-war is scheduled to take place on the campus of Kent State University today. Today is the 34th anniversary of the shootings by National Guardsmen which killed four students during an anti-Vietnam War demonstration.
Cracker Barrel Restaurant settled a government lawsuit by agreeing to expand sensitivity training for its employees. Cracker Barrel was accused of discriminating against African-American customers. As part of the settlement, the company admits no wrongdoing and will pay no fines.
In Georgia, a former high school football star was released from prison after a court overturned his 10 year sentence. Nineteen-year- old Marcus Dixon served 15 months in jail for having sex with a 15- year-old girl. The court ruled Dixon should not have been charged with aggravated child molestation.
Still to come on DAYBREAK, what happens now at the Iraq prison where prisoners were abused? We have new information for you this morning.
And the destructive force sweeping computers around the world -- what can you do to fight the Sasser worm?
And find out why it's not a good idea to beat the heat at this beach.
This is DAYBREAK for May 4.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.
It is 6:13 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
Escaped American hostage Thomas Hamill said to be in good condition this morning after being treated for a gunshot wound at a U.S. military hospital in Germany. What you're looking at right now is a podium in Germany. Thomas Hamill's doctors will soon come out and tell you more about his injuries and he will also wave to the world. We're going to take you back to Germany when those things happen.
An Israeli rocket attack kills two Palestinians at a Gaza refugee camp today. Palestinian sources say at least 25 others were wounded. The sources say a school where militants took shelter was targeted. In money news, for the richest man in the world, it may seem like pocket change. The government fines Microsoft founder Bill Gates $800,000 for violating an anti-trust rule. The issue is Gates' purchase of stock in a drug company.
In sports, the Charlotte Bobcats have officially joined the NBA. Majority owner Bob Johnson made the final payment on the team's $300 million expansion fee. The Bobcats become the league's 30th team.
In culture, a lawsuit against Madonna and her film director husband Guy Ritchie goes to court today. In the lawsuit, director/actor Vincent D'Onofrio alleges the couple stole his idea for the remake of that wonderful movie, "Swept Away" -- Chad.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: We have been talking a lot about the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at the Abu Ghraib Prison. So far, six Army officers have been reprimanded and six military police enlisted personnel are up on criminal charges.
But who will ultimately pay?
We also have this new briefing out of Iraq this morning and we want to talk more about that.
Analyst Ken Robinson is in Washington, D.C.
He joins us live this morning -- good morning, Ken.
KEN ROBINSON, CNN SECURITY ANALYST: Hi, Carol.
Hi.
COSTELLO: We just got this briefing out of Iraq, this on the record briefing by Major General Geoffrey Miller. He is now in charge of this prison. You've read this report -- quickly, I know.
Did anything in here surprise you?
ROBINSON: I think the thing that surprised me was that they have stopped the hooding, sleep deprivation and stress positions. The -- those positions, those three techniques are techniques which are used to try to place stress on prisoners of war and extract combat information in a very rapid manner.
COSTELLO: And those aren't considered torture under the Geneva Convention rules?
ROBINSON: No. They've not been. And they've been standard practices used in interrogation because remember, this is war, and these individuals, many of them, are the same individuals that are attacking the coalition.
But the issue is oversight. The issue is making sure that there's a line that -- in the Western way of warfare, the United States government doesn't cross. And clearly it was crossed here.
COSTELLO: Well, you know, and going back to the hooding, the use of hooding and sleep deprivation, weren't those methods used on Saddam Hussein?
ROBINSON: They were used. They're used -- when you first take a prisoner, you want to keep the prisoner disoriented and you don't want the prisoners to speak with each other, to be able to cook up a story. And so they search prisoners. They segregate them. They silence them. They speed them. And then the last S of those five Ss is called safeguard. And that was clearly violated.
COSTELLO: Well, let's talk about those safeguards. This is Major General Geoffrey Miller, who's now in charge of this prison. He says the use of hooding, sleep deprivation and stress positions, as you said, will no longer be used.
Something that surprised David Clinch, he said that Abu Ghraib Prison will continue -- I'm sorry, Ken.
We've got to go to Landstuhl now.
The doctors of Thomas Hamill now speaking, describing his injuries.
Let's listen.
MAJ. KERRY JEPSEN, ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON, LANDSTUHL MEDICAL CENTER: ... normally. So it indicates that he should do well. He'll require some further surgeries, reconstruction of that and getting that bone to heal. But if he can do that without getting an infection and get that bone to heal, he should have good function.
QUESTION: How is he being treated right now?
JEPSEN: Right now we're treating him with antibiotics and daily dressing changes. We don't see any evidence of acute infection that needs any surgical debrievement at this point in time. As I said, he will need further surgical care, but does not have to delay his stay here in Germany. He can get that in the States.
QUESTION: Any other injuries? Was he abused?
JEPSEN: The extent of his other injuries, he was, at the time of his capture, was struck on the right side of his head, but did not lose consciousness. He has a small bruise there now. He does not have any symptoms from that. And otherwise no other injuries.
QUESTION: How struck? Struck by his captors or struck (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
JEPSEN: Struck by his captors with a rifle butt.
QUESTION: How would you describe his overall sort of sense of self and what has happened to him? What would you de -- how would you describe his demeanor and his sort of mental state? JEPSEN: He feels very lucky to have gotten away. He feels that his injuries are going to heal. He feels very optimistic about the extent of his injuries and being able to recover. He's looking forward to meeting his family and getting back home. Overall, very upbeat and doing very well.
QUESTION: Has he said anything about the other captives?
JEPSEN: He is concerned about the other captives. He doesn't have any -- he didn't have any association with them during his captivity, but is concerned for their welfare and his heart and prayers are with them.
QUESTION: He was treated by his captors?
JEPSEN: He was. As I described earlier, he did not receive any treatment early on. He had a dressing on his open injury. At about day seven or eight, some medical personnel came and looked at his wounds. Following that, they took him to surgery, where he did receive anesthesia and a surgical debrievement, meaning that they removed some of the unhealthy devitalized tissue, skin, muscle. And at that time, he did receive some antibiotics.
QUESTION: So they were fairly organized at that time?
JEPSEN: I do believe, you know, it was a medical clinic that had those things to use.
QUESTION: Could that medical treatment have been given by a doctor who might have been brought to him?
JEPSEN: Certainly. Yes.
QUESTION: Do you have any idea what they were feeding him and also his physical -- his fitness state, because I heard he had to run to catch the convoy and I just thought that must have been quite a bit of effort?
JEPSEN: He had to run about a half a mile to get from his location to the convoy. He didn't describe in any detail what foods he was fed. He did say that he was fed regularly, did not describe or feel like he had lost a lot of weight. He described that he had lost a few pounds, but overall in generally good health. On the day that he was caught up with the convoy, they left him with some water and a couple packages of cookies, and that's what he had for that day.
QUESTION: How often was he moved?
JEPSEN: He was moved -- he stayed in one location no longer than four days. He did move as frequently as every day.
QUESTION: And what kind of living situation was he in?
JEPSEN: A small room, dirt floor, that was my concern in addressing his open injuries, what kind of living conditions he had. It was a fairly dirty environment, sleeping on the floor and a dirt floor, small room with secured doors and secured and guards to provide security.
QUESTION: Did his captors speak to him in English?
JEPSEN: Yes, they did.
QUESTION: Did he tell you (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
JEPSEN: No.
QUESTION: And you say they left him with cookies. You mean that they had abandoned him?
JEPSEN: They had a guard posted outside. He arose -- they would never let him out of his room during the daylight hours, but woke -- he was awoken shortly before sunrise to go out and go to the bathroom, was taken back indoors. And he describes a very restless night that night. The mosquitoes were very bad, so he hadn't had much rest. And he fell asleep at that point in time, woke some time in the morning to the sound of these diesel engines that he recognized as U.S. vehicles, as opposed to the Iraqi vehicles that he was used to hearing.
This particular place where he had been, he'd only been there about 24 hours. The door was not very secure. He was able to push the door open to get a look outside of the building and saw the U.S. vehicles.
At that point in time, he had not seen or heard his captor for, you know, several minutes. He looked outside, did not see him and was able to squeeze out of that door and decided that this was his opportunity to gain his freedom and with, you know, very dedicated resolve said they're going to have to catch me and bring me back. I'm going to make it to the convoy. And that's what he did.
QUESTION: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
JEPSEN: I'm not, I don't have any details as to what kind of pre-briefing or training he had.
QUESTION: And what kind of counseling is he getting now?
JEPSEN: We have a team of specially trained experts that are counseling and debriefing him and helping him to understand and deal with this experience and ordeal. They are the SERE search -- or Survival, Escape, Resist and -- Survival, Evade, Resist and Escape. That's the training. And we have psychologists and a training group that are providing that for him here.
QUESTION: And any intel debrief?
JEPSEN: He's doing that, as well, yes.
QUESTION: Can you say anything of what he's telling you?
JEPSEN: He's not -- he's not sharing that with his doctor.
QUESTION: Is he going to come back to Iraq? JEPSEN: He hasn't mentioned that that's high on his list, but I don't know.
QUESTION: When would you recommend that he go home?
JEPSEN: As soon as he's ready to move. I mean physically he can travel and as soon as the debriefings are adequate that he can go back to the States. So there's no real medical reason that he needs to stay here.
QUESTION: Would he need specialists -- would he need a specialist with him when he travels or could he just get on a
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
flight and go?
JEPSEN: He should probably have some attendants and we're making some arrangements so that he'll be able to do that and get back. His medical condition is not severe that it require, you know, en route medical treatment. But the other phases of his treatment and psychological condition should have some attendants while he's traveling.
QUESTION: Has he made any personal requests?
JEPSEN: Just for dinner last night. He wanted a burger, fries and a Coke.
Anybody else?
QUESTION: Yes, how is the pace right now in the orthopedic ward with all of the injuries coming in from Iraq? Have you guys been real busy?
JEPSEN: We are very busy. We see a...
COSTELLO: All right, we're going to jump out of this. You've been listening to officials talking about Thomas Hamill, that escaped American prisoner, talking about his medical conditions and the conditions in which he was kept by his captors.
We'll have much more on this for you after this.
This is DAYBREAK.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: The fallout continues and the investigators dig deeper into the actions of a few behind these prison walls.
And good morning to you.
From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Let me bring you up to date now. The U.S. military is turning over control of Fallujah to Iraqi General Mohammed Latif. Latif is the second choice to lead the brigade after it was discovered the first general had ties to Saddam Hussein.
The U.S. military doctors in Germany say Thomas Hamill is in good physical condition despite a gunshot wound to the right forearm. Hamill escaped Sunday from three weeks of captivity in Iraq and just minutes ago we carried a live news conference from the U.S. hospital in Germany where Hamill is being treated. A doctor described his condition this way.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
QUESTION: How would you describe his demeanor and his sort of mental state?
JEPSEN: He feels very lucky to have gotten away. He feels that his injuries are going to heal. He feels very optimistic about the extent of his injuries and being able to recover. He's looking forward to meeting his family and getting back home. Overall, very upbeat and doing very well.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: A new security system for train travelers will be unveiled today at a station near Washington, D.C. The system tests the air around passengers for traces of explosives.
And professional hockey player Mike Danton will be arraigned in a St. Louis courtroom today. Danton is charged with conspiring to hire a hit man to kill an acquaintance -- Chad.
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Aired May 4, 2004 - 06:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: And you're taking another live look at that podium in Germany, where Thomas Hamill's doctors will soon come to the podium to talk more about his injuries. You know he escaped from captors not once but twice. We'll find out if he had any other injuries other than that shot to the arm.
And good morning.
From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
We'll go to that live briefing in Germany as soon as it starts.
But first, the latest headlines for you right now.
New details on the abuse of Iraqi prisoners coming out. The military report now in the hands of CNN says there are, and I'm quoting here, "grave branches of international law." It cites numerous incidents of sadistic, blatant and wanton criminal abuses.
A couple of Republican congressmen -- Christopher Shays of Connecticut and Frank Wolf of Virginia, to be exact -- are calling on the CIA, the FBI and other intelligence agencies to help the U.N. investigate wrongdoing in the Iraqi Oil For Food Program.
Several former U.S. diplomats have sent a scathing letter to President Bush. They say his policy for the Middle East is costing Washington credibility around the globe and is undermining the peace process.
In southern California, an unsettling sign -- take a look at these pictures. Wildfires that usually come later in the summer already flaring up. Hundreds of residents of one community are forced to flee overnight -- now to Chad.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: A changing of the guard in Fallujah -- here is our situation report from Iraq this morning.
The new commander of the Iraqi force taking control of Fallujah entered the outskirts of the city today. The U.S. military tapped Major General Mohammed Latif, who opposed Saddam Hussein, to replace Major General Jassim Mohammed Saleh.
And in the holy city of Najaf, masked gunmen loyal to Muqtada al- Sadr showed off what they say are U.S. military vehicle panels and operation hats. They consider them trophies in the ongoing battles.
Also in Najaf, two American soldiers were wounded today when a rocket propelled grenade fired on their military convoy. It happened near the city's air field. The wounded have now been evacuated to Baghdad.
And right now in Germany, a reunion is being planned for former American hostage Thomas Hamill. He gets to see his wife some time today, we think, and he is expected to wave to the world.
Chris Burns live on the phone for us from the U.S. military facility in Landstuhl, Germany. And we're still awaiting them to walk to that podium -- Chris.
CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, we are, Carol.
We're waiting for the press conference by the surgeon, the orthopedic surgeon who's been caring for Thomas Hamill. And Thomas Hamill himself is coming out to wave from the balcony in about an hour or so. We have gotten a few more details. He had a burger and fries last night, is in good spirits. He did have surgery in captivity to do -- to take care of that bullet wound in his right arm, a bit of surgery, but he needs more surgery, doctors say, and he's going to undergo that back when he goes back to the States.
Did he suffer abuse? The doctor says that he was struck on the side of the head by one of his captors in the first days of captivity. So he had some kind of a bruise from that. But otherwise he has come through quite well, after his three week ordeal that ended just the day, just on Sunday.
I asked the doctor if Hamill was -- said anything about the other people who are still missing. There are two missing coworkers and a U.S. soldier who is still in, believed to be in captivity. He said that he was concerned about them, but that he didn't see them when he was in captivity. He was moved every one to four days.
Will he go back to Iraq? He didn't say. He's going through counseling right now, very intense counseling from a team here at Landstuhl who specializes in dealing with former POWs and former hostages. This is a big sprawling medical center for the injured coming back from Iraq, as well.
Is his wife coming today? It is now believed that she's to arrive tomorrow. We're going to keep you updated on that -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Yes, they're kind of keeping that hush-hush, because, I would assume that the Hamills want that reunion private.
BURNS: Well, exactly. And, in fact, the therapy and the counseling that he's going through includes what they call decompression. And that, the implications of that are that you don't want to stress him out. You want to give him a little time, a little space. And so when he comes out on that balcony, he's going to read a statement, say a couple of words. But they're being very strict here. They're saying no questions. He's just going to come out and wave and say hi.
COSTELLO: All right, Chris Burns, we're going to let you go because we are awaiting that news conference to begin with Thomas Hamill's doctors in Germany. When they approach the podium, we'll head back to Germany live.
Thomas Hamill's escape from his Iraqi captors is giving hope to another American family with a loved one kidnapped in Iraq. Prayers are being said for Army Private Keith Maupin's safe return to his hometown of Burlington, Kentucky. Maupin was kidnapped in the same convoy with Thomas Hamill three weeks ago.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAROLYN MAUPIN, MOTHER OF KIDNAPPED SOLDIER: The entire Maupin family was happy to hear of Thomas Hamill's safe return to the United States' custody yesterday and we would like to send the Hamill family our best wishes for a happy reunion. We remain very optimistic that we will hear word on Matt's status soon. Please continue to keep all soldiers and the missing United States contractors in your prayers and pray for their safe return. With god, all things are possible.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: And thousands of people attended a memorial service in San Jose, California for former NFL player Pat Tillman, who was so moved by the September 11 terrorist attacks that he gave up a $3.5 million career with the NFL to join the Army. As you know, Tillman was killed last month in Afghanistan. He's being remembered as a hero.
The former commander of the military police at the U.S. prison in Iraq says she bears some responsibility for the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners. But Brigadier General Janis Karpinski insists the blame does not rest on her shoulders. Instead, she says the M.P.s got their instructions from military intelligence.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRIG. GEN. JANIS KARPINSKI, U.S. ARMY RESERVE: One of the most despicable aspects of those pictures, those faces on those soldiers, those soldiers who belonged to one of my M.P. companies, absolutely. I don't know how they do this. I don't know how they allowed these activities to get so out of control. But I do know with almost absolute confidence that they didn't wake up one day and decide to do this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: A Canadian living in Los Angeles claims he was tortured and injured shortly after being taken into custody during the war in Iraq. He's now suing the Army for $350,000.
You can catch General Karpinski's complete interview this morning on CNN's "American Morning." That comes your way at 7:00 Eastern.
And probably the loudest outcry against the pictures of prisoner abuse comes from the Arab world.
CNN's Rula Amin has reaction for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RULA AMIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The pictures were on almost every newscast in every Arab country.
Gradiela (ph) works for a Beirut bank.
GRADIELA: It's horrible. It's horrible.
AMIN: Ayman (ph) sells eyeglasses in Amman.
AYMAN: I saw that. That was despicable, disgusting, unbelievable, inhuman. That shows how bad the Americans are.
AMIN: "As an Arab, I was very provoked," says this businessman. "Every Arab was. It's sheer humiliation."
U.S. condemnation of any mistreatment helped little.
(on camera): And not just because of the abuse, but also because the pictures of Arab men naked, kneeling and bending on all fours, touched on a very sensitive chord in the conservative religious Arab culture here. Many say it was a matter of dignity.
(voice-over): Arab networks said they found some former prisoners shown in the pictures. The men said they had not told their families of the abuse. "Too embarrassing," said one.
HAMZA MANSOUR, ISLAMIC OPPOSITION LEADER (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): The American administration came to protect the Iraqi citizens and restore their rights, as they claim. But the hell of the previous regime seemed to be better than the paradise of American administration.
AMIN: One analyst in Beirut says these pictures badly damaged U.S. efforts to sell democracy in the region.
ALI HAMIDI, BEIRUT ANALYST: These scenes, perhaps of torture, of -- are not new in our region. But coming from the Americans, it was new.
ABDUL SALAM MALHAS, BEIRUT ANALYST: I believe that when America had the chance to show its new face, it showed it what we have seen on the TV screens.
AMIN: Newspaper headlines read "The Prisoner Scandal Reveals the Crimes of the Occupation" -- headlines and images that give new ammunition to those opposed to the United States and its occupation in Iraq.
Rula Amin, CNN, Beirut.
(END VIDEOTAPE) COSTELLO: And go to our Web site for more on the prisoner abuse case, including an interview with a former Army interrogator about prison guard methods and danger signs.
A tragic anniversary tops our look at stories making news across America this Tuesday.
An anti-war is scheduled to take place on the campus of Kent State University today. Today is the 34th anniversary of the shootings by National Guardsmen which killed four students during an anti-Vietnam War demonstration.
Cracker Barrel Restaurant settled a government lawsuit by agreeing to expand sensitivity training for its employees. Cracker Barrel was accused of discriminating against African-American customers. As part of the settlement, the company admits no wrongdoing and will pay no fines.
In Georgia, a former high school football star was released from prison after a court overturned his 10 year sentence. Nineteen-year- old Marcus Dixon served 15 months in jail for having sex with a 15- year-old girl. The court ruled Dixon should not have been charged with aggravated child molestation.
Still to come on DAYBREAK, what happens now at the Iraq prison where prisoners were abused? We have new information for you this morning.
And the destructive force sweeping computers around the world -- what can you do to fight the Sasser worm?
And find out why it's not a good idea to beat the heat at this beach.
This is DAYBREAK for May 4.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.
It is 6:13 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
Escaped American hostage Thomas Hamill said to be in good condition this morning after being treated for a gunshot wound at a U.S. military hospital in Germany. What you're looking at right now is a podium in Germany. Thomas Hamill's doctors will soon come out and tell you more about his injuries and he will also wave to the world. We're going to take you back to Germany when those things happen.
An Israeli rocket attack kills two Palestinians at a Gaza refugee camp today. Palestinian sources say at least 25 others were wounded. The sources say a school where militants took shelter was targeted. In money news, for the richest man in the world, it may seem like pocket change. The government fines Microsoft founder Bill Gates $800,000 for violating an anti-trust rule. The issue is Gates' purchase of stock in a drug company.
In sports, the Charlotte Bobcats have officially joined the NBA. Majority owner Bob Johnson made the final payment on the team's $300 million expansion fee. The Bobcats become the league's 30th team.
In culture, a lawsuit against Madonna and her film director husband Guy Ritchie goes to court today. In the lawsuit, director/actor Vincent D'Onofrio alleges the couple stole his idea for the remake of that wonderful movie, "Swept Away" -- Chad.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: We have been talking a lot about the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at the Abu Ghraib Prison. So far, six Army officers have been reprimanded and six military police enlisted personnel are up on criminal charges.
But who will ultimately pay?
We also have this new briefing out of Iraq this morning and we want to talk more about that.
Analyst Ken Robinson is in Washington, D.C.
He joins us live this morning -- good morning, Ken.
KEN ROBINSON, CNN SECURITY ANALYST: Hi, Carol.
Hi.
COSTELLO: We just got this briefing out of Iraq, this on the record briefing by Major General Geoffrey Miller. He is now in charge of this prison. You've read this report -- quickly, I know.
Did anything in here surprise you?
ROBINSON: I think the thing that surprised me was that they have stopped the hooding, sleep deprivation and stress positions. The -- those positions, those three techniques are techniques which are used to try to place stress on prisoners of war and extract combat information in a very rapid manner.
COSTELLO: And those aren't considered torture under the Geneva Convention rules?
ROBINSON: No. They've not been. And they've been standard practices used in interrogation because remember, this is war, and these individuals, many of them, are the same individuals that are attacking the coalition.
But the issue is oversight. The issue is making sure that there's a line that -- in the Western way of warfare, the United States government doesn't cross. And clearly it was crossed here.
COSTELLO: Well, you know, and going back to the hooding, the use of hooding and sleep deprivation, weren't those methods used on Saddam Hussein?
ROBINSON: They were used. They're used -- when you first take a prisoner, you want to keep the prisoner disoriented and you don't want the prisoners to speak with each other, to be able to cook up a story. And so they search prisoners. They segregate them. They silence them. They speed them. And then the last S of those five Ss is called safeguard. And that was clearly violated.
COSTELLO: Well, let's talk about those safeguards. This is Major General Geoffrey Miller, who's now in charge of this prison. He says the use of hooding, sleep deprivation and stress positions, as you said, will no longer be used.
Something that surprised David Clinch, he said that Abu Ghraib Prison will continue -- I'm sorry, Ken.
We've got to go to Landstuhl now.
The doctors of Thomas Hamill now speaking, describing his injuries.
Let's listen.
MAJ. KERRY JEPSEN, ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON, LANDSTUHL MEDICAL CENTER: ... normally. So it indicates that he should do well. He'll require some further surgeries, reconstruction of that and getting that bone to heal. But if he can do that without getting an infection and get that bone to heal, he should have good function.
QUESTION: How is he being treated right now?
JEPSEN: Right now we're treating him with antibiotics and daily dressing changes. We don't see any evidence of acute infection that needs any surgical debrievement at this point in time. As I said, he will need further surgical care, but does not have to delay his stay here in Germany. He can get that in the States.
QUESTION: Any other injuries? Was he abused?
JEPSEN: The extent of his other injuries, he was, at the time of his capture, was struck on the right side of his head, but did not lose consciousness. He has a small bruise there now. He does not have any symptoms from that. And otherwise no other injuries.
QUESTION: How struck? Struck by his captors or struck (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
JEPSEN: Struck by his captors with a rifle butt.
QUESTION: How would you describe his overall sort of sense of self and what has happened to him? What would you de -- how would you describe his demeanor and his sort of mental state? JEPSEN: He feels very lucky to have gotten away. He feels that his injuries are going to heal. He feels very optimistic about the extent of his injuries and being able to recover. He's looking forward to meeting his family and getting back home. Overall, very upbeat and doing very well.
QUESTION: Has he said anything about the other captives?
JEPSEN: He is concerned about the other captives. He doesn't have any -- he didn't have any association with them during his captivity, but is concerned for their welfare and his heart and prayers are with them.
QUESTION: He was treated by his captors?
JEPSEN: He was. As I described earlier, he did not receive any treatment early on. He had a dressing on his open injury. At about day seven or eight, some medical personnel came and looked at his wounds. Following that, they took him to surgery, where he did receive anesthesia and a surgical debrievement, meaning that they removed some of the unhealthy devitalized tissue, skin, muscle. And at that time, he did receive some antibiotics.
QUESTION: So they were fairly organized at that time?
JEPSEN: I do believe, you know, it was a medical clinic that had those things to use.
QUESTION: Could that medical treatment have been given by a doctor who might have been brought to him?
JEPSEN: Certainly. Yes.
QUESTION: Do you have any idea what they were feeding him and also his physical -- his fitness state, because I heard he had to run to catch the convoy and I just thought that must have been quite a bit of effort?
JEPSEN: He had to run about a half a mile to get from his location to the convoy. He didn't describe in any detail what foods he was fed. He did say that he was fed regularly, did not describe or feel like he had lost a lot of weight. He described that he had lost a few pounds, but overall in generally good health. On the day that he was caught up with the convoy, they left him with some water and a couple packages of cookies, and that's what he had for that day.
QUESTION: How often was he moved?
JEPSEN: He was moved -- he stayed in one location no longer than four days. He did move as frequently as every day.
QUESTION: And what kind of living situation was he in?
JEPSEN: A small room, dirt floor, that was my concern in addressing his open injuries, what kind of living conditions he had. It was a fairly dirty environment, sleeping on the floor and a dirt floor, small room with secured doors and secured and guards to provide security.
QUESTION: Did his captors speak to him in English?
JEPSEN: Yes, they did.
QUESTION: Did he tell you (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
JEPSEN: No.
QUESTION: And you say they left him with cookies. You mean that they had abandoned him?
JEPSEN: They had a guard posted outside. He arose -- they would never let him out of his room during the daylight hours, but woke -- he was awoken shortly before sunrise to go out and go to the bathroom, was taken back indoors. And he describes a very restless night that night. The mosquitoes were very bad, so he hadn't had much rest. And he fell asleep at that point in time, woke some time in the morning to the sound of these diesel engines that he recognized as U.S. vehicles, as opposed to the Iraqi vehicles that he was used to hearing.
This particular place where he had been, he'd only been there about 24 hours. The door was not very secure. He was able to push the door open to get a look outside of the building and saw the U.S. vehicles.
At that point in time, he had not seen or heard his captor for, you know, several minutes. He looked outside, did not see him and was able to squeeze out of that door and decided that this was his opportunity to gain his freedom and with, you know, very dedicated resolve said they're going to have to catch me and bring me back. I'm going to make it to the convoy. And that's what he did.
QUESTION: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
JEPSEN: I'm not, I don't have any details as to what kind of pre-briefing or training he had.
QUESTION: And what kind of counseling is he getting now?
JEPSEN: We have a team of specially trained experts that are counseling and debriefing him and helping him to understand and deal with this experience and ordeal. They are the SERE search -- or Survival, Escape, Resist and -- Survival, Evade, Resist and Escape. That's the training. And we have psychologists and a training group that are providing that for him here.
QUESTION: And any intel debrief?
JEPSEN: He's doing that, as well, yes.
QUESTION: Can you say anything of what he's telling you?
JEPSEN: He's not -- he's not sharing that with his doctor.
QUESTION: Is he going to come back to Iraq? JEPSEN: He hasn't mentioned that that's high on his list, but I don't know.
QUESTION: When would you recommend that he go home?
JEPSEN: As soon as he's ready to move. I mean physically he can travel and as soon as the debriefings are adequate that he can go back to the States. So there's no real medical reason that he needs to stay here.
QUESTION: Would he need specialists -- would he need a specialist with him when he travels or could he just get on a
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flight and go?
JEPSEN: He should probably have some attendants and we're making some arrangements so that he'll be able to do that and get back. His medical condition is not severe that it require, you know, en route medical treatment. But the other phases of his treatment and psychological condition should have some attendants while he's traveling.
QUESTION: Has he made any personal requests?
JEPSEN: Just for dinner last night. He wanted a burger, fries and a Coke.
Anybody else?
QUESTION: Yes, how is the pace right now in the orthopedic ward with all of the injuries coming in from Iraq? Have you guys been real busy?
JEPSEN: We are very busy. We see a...
COSTELLO: All right, we're going to jump out of this. You've been listening to officials talking about Thomas Hamill, that escaped American prisoner, talking about his medical conditions and the conditions in which he was kept by his captors.
We'll have much more on this for you after this.
This is DAYBREAK.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: The fallout continues and the investigators dig deeper into the actions of a few behind these prison walls.
And good morning to you.
From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Let me bring you up to date now. The U.S. military is turning over control of Fallujah to Iraqi General Mohammed Latif. Latif is the second choice to lead the brigade after it was discovered the first general had ties to Saddam Hussein.
The U.S. military doctors in Germany say Thomas Hamill is in good physical condition despite a gunshot wound to the right forearm. Hamill escaped Sunday from three weeks of captivity in Iraq and just minutes ago we carried a live news conference from the U.S. hospital in Germany where Hamill is being treated. A doctor described his condition this way.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
QUESTION: How would you describe his demeanor and his sort of mental state?
JEPSEN: He feels very lucky to have gotten away. He feels that his injuries are going to heal. He feels very optimistic about the extent of his injuries and being able to recover. He's looking forward to meeting his family and getting back home. Overall, very upbeat and doing very well.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: A new security system for train travelers will be unveiled today at a station near Washington, D.C. The system tests the air around passengers for traces of explosives.
And professional hockey player Mike Danton will be arraigned in a St. Louis courtroom today. Danton is charged with conspiring to hire a hit man to kill an acquaintance -- Chad.
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