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Controversial Plan to Relocate Thousands of Migrants; Sign of Hope as Brussels Airport Reopens; US Presidential Hopefuls Focus on Wisconsin; Four Construction Execs Arrested in India; Convicted Felon Voice for Prison Reform; Lions Alarming Wildlife Officials in Kenya. Aired 4-5a ET

Aired April 03, 2016 - 04:00   ET

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

[04:00:00] GEORGE HOWELL, "CNN NEWSROOM" ANCHOR: Their hope land in shambles, their fate now, uncertain. Migrants stage a protest demanding that more attention be paid to their fight as a new controversial deal could decide their fate, soon to take effect.

Plus an important date for Brussels nearly two weeks after the deadly terror attacks there the first flight from the city's airport should be taking off shortly, And.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

POPPY HARLOW, ANCHOR, CNN NEWSROOM: Shaka Senghor, will always bare the title convicted felon.

SHAKA SENGHOR, FORMER PRISON INMATE: At age of 19. I shot and killed a man.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE HOWELL, CNN, NEWSROOM: The story of a convict turned advocates and got a second chance of life and now working with some powerful allies and help reform the U.S. prison system.

Live from CNN world headquarters in Atlanta welcome to our viewers in the United States and around the world.

I'm George Howell, CNN, NEWSROOM starts.

A good day to you. We begin this hour with the controversial plan to relocate thousands of migrants.

Starting on Monday, migrants who arrived in Greece from Turkey after March 20th will be sent back and in exchange, E.U. Nations will accept an equal number of bedded Syrian refugees from Turkey.

Migrants now in Greece are protesting that plan and human rights group say Turkey is simply not safe enough for these refugees.

Among those to be affected by this deal, the thousands of migrants who are now stranded in Greece, on Saturday migrants blocked the hi-way demanding the Macedonian boarder be reopened. For months now, migrants have been living in poor conditions at camps in the city of Idomeni and some residents of that city say they have not been able to work their lands due to the camp.

They are demanding the government speed up the relocation of migrants to shelters and other camps but refugees are begging not to be forgotten.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

FATIMA, SYRIAN ASYLUM SEEKER [via translation]: We've reached this point and we are asking, What is going to happen to us? I am asking all the country? What is our fate? No one understands what we are going through except us. We who run away from our country not because we were hungry, we didn't leave because we are hungry. We left because there is a war. Is it our fate to die here also? No one is paying attention to us. Absolutely, no one.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOWELL: We're ruling this hour by journalist Elinda Labropoulou live in Athens via Skype with us. Elinda, it's good to have you.

So this deal that is set to take effect Monday. It's already causing a great deal of panic among the so many people, these families who risk their lives to get to Europe.

ELINDA LABROPOULOU, JOURNALIST: Well, absolutely panic I think is the right word for how people are reacting right now. They are trying to see if they can leave the camps. They are saying that they do not want to go to Turkey. As a result, there's a lot of tension in the existing camps.

There have been fights between different groups specifically between migrants and refugees. (Inaudible) so those who can qualify and those who do not qualify to be able to be readmitted.

People have been leaving camps. They've been in one particular island. The island of Hill (ph) is one of the main entry points into Europe, 4000 of these migrants and refugees.

People left the camp, went to the course. They've been there for two days now just protesting saying that they will not get on the boat.

The agreement itself is quite controversial. Those who do not qualify for asylum will be turned back, but at the moment Greece itself is saying it does not have the facility, does not able to process these asylum applications.

Quickly we hear that on the other side, Turkey is not really ready to receive them and we're looking at something that's about to start in less than 24 hours from now George.

HOWELL: The protest Elinda that are playing out but when it comes to migrants who are there, who are trying to make their way forward, are they finding any ways around these different barriers? Are they finding ways to possibly get around these new rules that have set to take effect?

LABROPOULOU: Well, I mean this is just at saying. We hear that some new routes are about to open. That people will try what they can in order to get to their final destination.

We seem to have cars of that flow being diverted to Italy as much as possible and what is starting is people who have traveled such a long way, who are so determined to have a new life will do what they can. And this means that there -- an easy prey in the hands of smugglers.

We understand that the prices for the journey so now that the route is more difficult, it's harder for them to get anywhere.

[04:05:02] The prices are going up as demands goes up and what we expect to see in the days ahead is that this phenomenon just escalates more desperate people trying to make it to Europe, George.

HOWELL: Journalist Elinda Labropoulou, live for us in Athens. Elinda, thank you so much for your reporting and will stay in touch with you.

We're joined now by Leonard Doyle. He is a spokesman for the International Organization for Migration and joining us live via Skype from Geneva.

Leonard, it's good to have you to talk about this as well.

Let's start by the criticisms that are out there about this deal, several Human Rights Organizations have expressed concerns.

LEONARD DOYLE, SPOKESPERSON, INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION: Indeed there are many concerns, mostly which have to do with the voluntarily -- the voluntary nature of an out lock (ph) and such and with the potential over through a nature of decisions. But I think a lot of, you know, that such as script may have that you deal now that the migrants who are going there are going to make sure that they give proper hearings to the migrants.

And there's a lot of global are strict t least from CNN as your seeing now. So there will be a lot of interest on the part of Europeans and making sure its done appropriate there I think.

HOWELL: Leonard, when it comes to Turkey, you know, is Turkey safe for migrants who are returned there because there are concerns that it's not?

DOYLE: Well, it kind of depends on how you're looking at it. And if you want to look in from a strict and legalistic perspective, indeed there have been some challenges, some concerns and is international for example put out the reports as we can.

But on the other hand, and it has to be recognized and then reality, Turkey is an extraordinarily welcoming and generous country. It's hosting almost 2.7 million refugees already from the war in Syria.

We do not hear daily reports of problems. In fact, the church hadbeen evoking their hearts to this minor children.

I think when it has to look at that in context the church is certainly being a lot more welcoming that Europeans have been towards migrants and refugees.

HOWELL: And then another very important part, when it comes to Turkey and it's discussions with the E.U., you know, how critical is that for this deal?

DOYLE: Well, extreme so. I mean Turkey wants to join the, you know, the market until we have three, of course have free movement from his people through out Europe. Something that it's been promised to it for so many years, and being denied by a narrow self interest at certain European country just put it that way, so that's finally kind of part of the bargaining if you like, it's happening now. And perhaps sets the big win for them.

And I've seen reports for example from some of the Islands where the migrants are going that they are looking forward to the soon to the arrival of Turkey's tourist. And so there will be a lot to win from having free movement to Turks across Europe particularly in the Greek economy, I mean, extraordinary benefits and now who -- so good see but in a certainly bargain a discussion.

HOWELL: Leonard, I want to ask you this question, and it just goes to the heart of what people will think about this, when it comes to a family there, the family that's in Greece that does not want to go back, a family that risked their lives to get to where they are right now. What records do they have? What can they do to make sure that they can continue to move forward despite this new rule that is set to take them back?

DOYLE: Because suddenly they don't really have a lot for a backer. I mean, I think the reality is that everybody knows that the majority of these people are coming from refugee producing countries, be that Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria.

And the Europeans to show select and to study their kin's Angela Merkel in particular has been extra ordinarily generous and has opened the gates of her country to demand and so many have come in the hope of safety.

Now what's happen to mean time of course is that was being a political back lush across Europe. And we've seen this recent elections, so the reality isn't said that position has been unsustainable, in position of keeping Europe's borders open to this large flows of migrants who where in great danger.

And what's happening now is that Europeans are now trying to contain that and control them and not unfortunately means that a lot of those already on route.

There will be no destination Europe and they will be sent home.

HOWELL: While you're talking there, we're just looking at images here of these families, children and it's just that you can only imagine the fight of these families after what they've gone through, but again this rule is set to take effect on Monday.

Leonard Doyle, thank you so much for your insights and we will stay in touch with you as well.

And to find out how you can help Syrian refugees, you can head to cnn.com/impact and there, you will find a list of nonprofits, bedded nonprofits by CNN and many other resources can help you get involve.

Turning it out to Brussels and what is being called a sign of hope in Belgium Capital.

[04:10:00] The city's main airport is partially reopening to passengers, this was the first time since the suicide bombers struck that location and the metro station just last month.

Just three flights will be departing on Sunday and security there is high.

Cars arriving at the airport are being checked. And travelers are being screened before they can even enter the airport facility. Tensions remain high there on the street though. There are protest and arrest in the Belgian Capital.

Let's go live to CNN Alexandra Field, following all of these from the Brussels Airport. Alexandra, it's good to have you.

So, what is the mood there as this airport reopens after what happened there?

ALEXANDRA FIELD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well Gorge, it's been 12 days since that airport was wrath (ph) by those bombings and in just about an hour or so, passengers will begin to arrive.

There is the check point that's back there behind me. It's being closely guarded by police officers. They'll have to show officers that they are in fact flying on those three flights going out today.

Other than that though, access is still being limited to this airport. These are the necessary first steps in order to get the airport back up and running.

They want a much smaller crowd there. They've got to be able to ensure the safety and security of people who are flying today.

So you will have a much smaller group. He will have stricter security measures of course in place.

Were told the passengers will be received that new temporary check in structures. There will also be screening in a different area before they proceed to their flight.

So it's going to be a different experience of course to fly in and out of this airport but authorities thought it was essential to get the airport back up and running to give people the extensive of security and also this is an airport that's needed in this community. Look, this is a place that use to great 60,000 passengers' everyday, so were talking about much smaller numbers than that to start. In fact the airport says that they are hoping really to get up to full pass again, probably not until June or even possibly July, George. So it is a small start but it is a step forward.

HOWELL: Small start but yes, an important start Alexandra. And I also like to talk about what's been happening there on the streets of Brussels with these protests and the arrests.

FIELD: Right, George. All weekend, we saw a police doing crowd control. Frankly, at sometimes in riot year and but crowd control vehicles in place.

There had been a ban on public demonstrations that was ordered by the city officials, late last week. They were hoping to avoid any conflict in the streets, over the weekend. They were hoping to avoid tensions and any kind of clashing while they continue to devote security resources to the ongoing investigation into this terror attacks. And they're trying to find anyone who could have been connected to these attacks.

That's what he told people not to gather. There was also a planned right wing march. A group that said, they are going to do an anti Islam, anti immigrant demonstration right in the heart of an immigrant community, Molenbeek.

So those are some of the reasons that police said don't gather, don't demonstrate, people, did not hid those instructions in at least two different locations in the city. We saw a very large crowds turn out and that's when police stepped in enforcing this ban on demonstrations, pushing people out, making them disperse. Those who refuse to disperse were taken into detention. Were told that they were giving the administrative charge and they'll also have to pay a fine. It was some 140 people, George.

HOWELL: A moment of hope there at the airport but tension still high in Brussels. Alexandra Field, live for us there. We appreciate your reporting as always.

The United States Air Force is deploying 12 F15 fighters and several 100 personnel to Iceland and the Netherlands. There mission there is to support NATO. Surveillance and conduct flight train.

The flight rotation was initiated, amid heightened tensions between NATO countries and Russia after Moscow's Annexation of Crimea, the planes are schedules to stay in Europe through September.

You're watching CNN Newsroom and still to come this hour, the U.S. democratic presidential candidates are rush hitting up their attack on each other.

Ahead, we will tell you why Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are debating about debating.

Plus Donald Trump has an out of character moment, you could say making what some might even call an apology. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WORLD SPORT HEADLINES)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HOWELL: America's Choice 2016. The race for the White House and Democratic presidential candidates are the devoting all of their time and energy now to swaying voters in the state of Wisconsin, ahead of the primary that is set for Tuesday.

Eighty six Democratic delegates are up for grabs and on Saturday, Hillary Clinton responded to criticisms from Bernie Sanders that she has supported trade deals that have taken jobs away from the United States.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HILLARY CLINTON, (D) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We need a president who doesn't just rail against trade or who doesn't enforce trade, but a president who knows how to compete against the rest of the world and win for America and for American workers.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOWELL: And in return, Bernie Sanders said he is the only candidate who could prevent the Republican from winning the White House. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. BERNIE SANDERS, (I-VT) DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: There had been some concern upon the part of my opponent and others as to whether or not Bernie Sanders could win a general election.

Well, let me tell you that the last season poll have us 20 points ahead of Donald Trump.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOWELL: Bernie Sanders there. Now, Clinton and Sanders had to an even bigger primary in a little more than two weeks from now, that would be the state of New York. The two Democrats have been stepping up their attacks on each other.

Chris Frates reports and now, they are debating about debating.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHRIS FRATES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton campaigning hard at Wisconsin in the Northern City of Eau Claire today. But before either candidate even hit the grounds here in Wisconsin, they were throwing mad at each other.

[04:20:02] The Clinton campaign accusing the Bernie Sanders campaign of rejecting three different dates to debate in New York in April saying this, "The Sanders campaign needs to stop using the New York primary as a play ground for political games and negative attacks against Hillary Clinton".

Now, the spokesman for the Sanders campaign, Michael Briggs firing back hard with his own statement today saying, "Unfortunately, the dates and venues she has proposed, didn't make a lot of sense. The idea that they want a debate in New York on a night of the NCAA finals with Syracuse in the tournament no less is ludicrous. We have proposed other dates, which they have rejected. We hope we can reach agreement in the near future."

Now, it's important to remember how this all started after Bernie Sanders had a big weekend sweeping winds in Washington, Alaska and Hawaii.

He challenged Hillary Clinton to a debate in her adopted home state of New York. For about a week, Hillary Clinton was rather non com battle than yesterday.

Her campaign saying that they're trying to work out the dates with the Sanders campaign and then today the Clinton Campaign going after the Sanders campaign saying that they're playing games with these states. At Sanders campaign of course denying it and the reason why this New York primary is so important.

Many people expect that Bernie Sanders will be able to win here in Wisconsin, but to be able to close the gap in delegates than he has used, laying written (ph) by about 240 delegates.

He needs to upset her in New York. There is a huge cash of delegates available in the empire state about 250. That's second only to California. If Bernie Sanders can pull a win there and upset Hillary Clinton in her adopted home state, he comes very close to helping close that gap against Hillary Clinton.

So, Sanders and Clinton cashing out when they're going to have this debate is very important when and where could have a big impact on that April 19th primary. So we're going to continue to watch that here in Wisconsin, Chris Frates, CNN Eau Claire Wisconsin.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOWELL: And now, as to Republicans, they are also fighting it out in Wisconsin.

The front-runner Donald Trump is not favored to win that state instead he is trailing rival Ted Cruz there.

But John Kasich, a close third, it is not clear how much that has to do with the rough week that Donald Trump had. He appeared to change his stands on abortion several times and his rivals had counts on that.

Cruz in particular insists that Donald Trump is not the one of the Republicans to represent their party. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. TED CRUZ, (R-TX) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Donald Trump is not the best candidate to go head-to-head with Hillary Clinton. But if we nominate Donald Trump, it elects Hillary Clinton. She wins by double digits.

And if Hillary Clinton is the next president, it's a catastrophe for this country.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOWELL: Trump maintains a healthy lead in the delegates account, but reaching that magic number of 12-37 will be a toll order. And if he gets close an open convention has the potential to radically change the entire picture.

John Kasich told our Michael Smerconish that a contested convention is indeed going to happen and that he likes his ads once they get there.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. JOHN KASICH, (R-OH) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I can't win enough to get to the convention with enough delegates and neither can Cruz. He had have to win 90 percent of the remaining delegates. And Donald Trump would have to win, you know, probably better than 60 percent.

Then, as you know, he is never getting anywhere close to that. So, we're got to a convention. And when we go there, there is just going to be two things that are going to be asked.

Number one, who can win in the poll? And I'm the only candidate that consistently beats Hillary Clinton in the poll.

And, secondly Michael, delegates take this seriously. They begin to feel the weight of big decisions on their shoulders and they're going to ask who has the record, who has the accomplishments and who can be president.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOWELL: Even with Donald Trump's recent troubles, he isn't backing down from what's gotten him this far as he explained it. The controversy surrounding his comments wasn't really his fault at all as our Jason Carroll reports.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: As Donald Trump address the crowd here in Racine Wisconsin at his Town Hall. He touched on the number of issues that is plagued to his campaign through out the week.

Two wish is namely that that of abortion, the other foreign policy. First to the issue of abortion.

He told the crowd, it's a complicated subject saying no matter what he does, no matter he answers, he says, the press is always going to twist his words.

He says when he does get his words out, no matter what he says, it's an answer no one will be satisfied with.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: The truth is, you can't, no matter what you do, no matter what you say, because they can take something you say and turn it around, like, I'll be on CBS "Face the Nation."

What I said was perfect. And what I said was -- in fact, otherwise I wouldn't -- honestly, I'm going to be on tomorrow and I taped it yesterday. What I said was so good. It was so perfect. And then they looked. They said, maybe he should have added a word.

[04:25:00] Well, actually, the way it came out, they took words out that I said.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CARROLL: Trump is also talking foreign policy responding to the president's criticisms about Trump and his knowledge of foreign policy. As you know, during the Nuclear Summit, the president was asked about Trump's suggestion that U.S. allies, South Korea and Japan armed themselves with nuclear weapons against North Korea.

To that, Trump had to say this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: I've mentioned this bill and I mentioned, you know, the fact that it's absolutely fact that America can afford the good, United States can afford to do it. And that they ought to pay more.

Now, I didn't say anything about letting Japan nuke. But, I did say, perhaps, if we can't do the right deal, we'll have to let them take care of themselves. And if that means, they all have to someday get nuclear weapons.

In all fairness folks, I know the way life works. Eventually, they're going to probably want to do it anyway. OK, anyway. You know, I don't say that's a good thing or bad thing. I think its fine the way we have enough, but we can't loose the kind of money we're loosing.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CARROLL: Trump also reminding those who came out to see him here in Racine that he is self fund, not taking money from any special interest and then he's not beholding to anyone, except those who were trying to get him elected into office.

Trump is trailing behind Ted Cruz here in Wisconsin, latest polls showing Cruz up by 10 percentage points. Jason Carroll, CNN, Racine, Wisconsin.

(END VIDEO CLIP) HOWELL: Jason, thank you. And of course, remember to join us right here on CNN all day, Tuesday, for complete coverage of the critical Wisconsin primary only here on CNN.

Its 4:26 on the U.S. east cost and still ahead this hour, Kolkata, India looks to rebuild after a disastrous highway bridge collapse.

CNN spoke to witnesses who are struggling to even swing after seeing what you see there happen.

Plus, a teenage murderer goes from the streets of the U.S. to the halls of power now pushing for prison reform.

Live this hour at the United State and around the world, you are watching CNN NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[04:30:29] HOWELL: Welcome to our viewers here in the United States and around the world. You are watching CNN NEWSROOM. It is good to have you with us. I'm George Howell. The headlines were following this hour.

The message for migrants in Greece, "No one is paying attention to us." Many blocked the highway there on Saturday, demanding the Macedonian boarder be reopened. It is presently closed. The head of the controversial EU plan that is set to take effect Monday, migrants who arrived in Greece from turkey will be sent back.

In Brussels, a sign hope this day. The city's main airport is partially reopening for passengers. This for the first time since the deadly terror attacks nearly two weeks ago. The airport CEO says just three flights are taking off Sunday bound for Portugal, Italy, at Greece. There will be no arriving flight.

On the Syria now, government forces there discovered a mass grave with at least 40 bodies in Palmyra, an ancient city that was recaptured from ISIS last week. Syrian media said many of the victims were women and children. Many killed signed with beheading and torturing.

Indian police have arrested four top construction executives connected with this week's deadly overpass collapsed in Kolkata, all of them charged with attempted murder and mischief. Rescuers pulled three more bodies from the debris on Saturday. Now, bringing the death toll 27 people dead.

In Kolkata, the streets are getting back to normal but those who witness that bridge collapsed told our Sumnima Udas the very memory of what they saw will hunt them for years to come.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SUMNIMA UDAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: From the ground it feels like any other day. Riot is back, people, cars, chaos.

Amazing to think that exactly 48 hours ago this entire area where I'm standing was full of gravel, concrete and cement. Some of it several floors high.

But from above, life will never be the same again.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE [via translation]: It was like a movie. It just fell like this. The whole slab at once, below there were cars, taxis, autojectors (ph), pedestrians, but the time I blink the overpass had collapsed.

UDAS: She says, in just a few seconds, a 100 meter long chunk of concrete and steel came crashing down.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE [via translation]: I prayed to God I never have to see such as thing again. I can't sleep. I can't eat. People we're shouting, "Help me. Help me." There was blood pouring out. I could see feet sticking out, hands dangling. There was blood everywhere, she says.

UDAS: From their room with the view that send his family, has watched the city grow for a bazaar was one of the biggest cost of Kolkata. Fruit and vegetable vendors, tailors, traders, the homeless all Chassell (ph)for space, opening makes it visitors under the overpass.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE [via translation]: So many people died, so many. I can't bare the pain. Imagine the people, who lost their love ones, she says.

UDAS: Here daughter in laws shows me the window from where she saw the overpass crack.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE [via translation]: They had just for concreted in the entire area that morning around 11:30 a.m. then an hour later it broke.

UDAS: She tells me the 2.2 kilometers long overpass built to relief the congestion below has always been controversial standing almost entire width of the street. The said he'd say, no one in the neighborhood like the overpass because this they say is no way to live.

Sumnima Udas, CNN Kolkata, India.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOWELL: A recent terror attack in Pakistan is highlighting the danger of being a Christian there. The suicide bombing at the park in Lahore killed more than 70 people on Easter Sunday. It wounded 100's more.

A Talibans splenger group has claimed responsibility that group saying that it was targeting Christians. This was the latest in the string of attack that has seen churches bombed, and seeing homes burned and families left living in fear.

CNN Saima Mohsin takes you inside the small community to see how it is coping. It's an exclusive report. You'll see it Monday only here on CNN.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SAIMA MOHSIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The former president of Brazil joined about 100 protesters at a pro government rally on Saturday chanting they will not be a co (ph).

[04:35:01] The demonstration came a day after anti government protesters rallied in South Paulo calling for the impeachment president Dilma Rousseff.

Luis Inacio Lula da Silva is under investigation for a corruption.

Luis Inacio Lula da Silva be a co (ph), the demonstration came a day after anti-government protesters rally in South Paulo, calling for the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff.

Luis Inacio Lula da Silva is under investigation for corruption. He was recently sworn in as Rousseff's chief if staff.

Thousands of Colombians say their president is a traitor and are calling on him to resign. They staged demonstrations in more than 20 cities across that country. Saturday, they are opposed to President Juan Manuel Santos efforts for peace at the decade of guerilla conflict.

Protesters believe Mr. Santos has caved too much to rebel demands while failing to deliver on other policies like education and employment. The Colombian civil war has lasted more than 50 years.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HOWELL: A convicted murderer has picked up some unlikely political allies. Ahead demand who went from solitary confinement to the halls of power to push for prisoner forms in America. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HOWELL: Welcome back to CNN NEWSROOM. I'm George Howell.

As a teenager Shaka Senghor committed murder but behind bars he found a purpose. And now he is a leading voice for prisoner reformer in then United Stated and the author of this book, "Writing My Wrongs Life Death and Redemption in an American Prison".

CNN Poppy Harlow sat down with Senghor and talked about his life, his mission and his unlikely political allies.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HARLOW: Shaka Senghor will always bare the title convicted felon.

SENGHOR: At age of 19, I shot and killed a man.

HARLOW: But of course his lines didn't start up that way.

You were an honor roll students. What happened? [04:40:00] SENGHOR: I was, you know, once I started going to the things at home. I got to stop taking interest in school. And it's one of the things that now when I look back specially working with a lot of young people, I think about how we sometime fell as adults to really pay attention over on what's happening with children. So led them well for honor roll students are like barely showing up in class.

HARLOW: You say no one ever stopped to say, what's wrong?

SENGHOR: Yeah.

HARLOW: Why are your grades falling off? Not one person?

SENGHOR: Not one person. I recently felt like, kind of like the ideal like middle class family. A lot of siblings, a lot of fun times but also a lot of very hurtful and painful times, dealing with abuse from my mother and dealing with dissolution of my parents' marriage.

HARLOW: He served 19 years, seven of them in solitary confinement.

You knowingly chose the street life?

SENGHOR: Yeah.

HARLOW: No one pushed you there. Nothing forced you there. Why did you choose it?

SENGHOR: Well, I was looking for love and acceptance. And I ran away when I was 14 years old and, you know, I was naive like most 14 year olds and thought that somebody's parent would take me in and shelter me from the abuse but that didn't happen. And so when I got introduced to the drugs trade, it came under the guides of love and acceptance. And when you're a young vulnerable teenager who has been hurt and damaged and you're looking for that type of emotional connection to anybody this saying, "Hey, I love you and I have your back" and so I chose that lifestyle.

HARLOW: You felt accepted there.

SENGHOR: I felt accepted. Definitely.

HARLOW: He sold crank by age 14, was shot himself at 17, and murdered a man by 19. In a drug deal gone array (ph).

SENGHOR: I realized that not only had I tragically caused somebody's death but I devastated somebody's family and that I couldn't take that back. I got a letter from my son while I was on that 4.5 in distant solitary. And then they let him wrote me and he said, "Dear dad, I know you are in prison for murder. Please dad, don't kill again. Jesus watches what you do".

And as a father, I realized that I had not only failed my son, but that I was failing a whole generation of young men who are growing up in the neighborhood. I realized that I needed to do something different in my life and the first thing was taking full responsibility for the decisions I made that landed me in prison. But also to figure out a way how I can utilize that experience to help other young men and women avoid the path that I had taken.

HARLOW: The aunt of the man Senghor murdered wrote him a letter of forgiveness while he was serving time. She told me she loved him because God loved him.

I think a lot of viewers watching this will ask, you are a former felon, a murderer, you took a man's life. Why should people listen to you now?

SENGHOR: Because I think in order to solve a problem you have to be as close in proximity to it as possible. And the reality is that, you know, gun violence is a large part of what's happening in American society. And who better understand how to solve that than somebody who's gone through it.

HARLOW: In "Writing my Wrongs," Senghor asks the central question, how do you emerge in a society that is so unforgiving?

There is a lot of discussion right now in Washington about prison reform. Are you hopeful?

SENGHOR: I'm very hopeful. I think that we had a space now where the American public is a lot more aware. Because I feel like, you know, if you're footing a bill for this, and to not get the return on investment that's been promised to us, I think it's really unfair. And our prison system currently operates as one big warehouse.

HARLOW: A warehouse.

SENGHOR: Yeah. A warehouse. Warehouse of misery to be specific. And so the reality is, either you can help and you can further hurt them and then you can wake up and say okay, I'm not surprised that they get out and come back.

HARLOW: A 2014 study from the Bureau of Justice statistics followed inmates from 30 states for five years. It found nearly 70 percent of former prisoners returned to prison within three years of being released.

SENGHOR: American society that we have a choice in, what kind of men you want to retire. So, either you want healthy men and women who are ready to reenter society as contributing members of society or you want broken men and women who's going to come out and wreak havoc on society.

HARLOW: Today he works with the cut 50 initiative, a bipartisan effort to reduce the U.S. prison population by half by 2025.

Who is your biggest ally in this fight?

SENGHOR: We have multiple allies, surprisingly. I mean, Newt Gingrich has been a great ally. A lot of people from the Republican Party, and, you know, different politicians, so, you know, I just think it's a time in the country where everybody is realizing that we've done this thing wrong for a long time. [04:45:02] I think if you think about what the cornerstone is a faith, is forgiveness and redemption. And I think that when we look at our country, that' the foundation of the country, is built on faith, different faiths. And no matter what faith you come from, background you come from, that's a deep part of it. And sadly it hasn't been extended to those who are incarcerated.

HARLOW: Are you an anomaly?

SENGHOR: I don't think so. We're going away a lot of greatness. We are basically dismissing people's humanity. And I think we feel considerably and then when it comes to young specifically inner city kids, we're quick to thought them away, we're quick to judge them more harshly than other kids are judged. It's a reality of the racial dynamics and the class dynamics in America. We're not always honest about that.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HOWELL: The path of the prisoner former, Poppy Harlow, there for us.

Switching now to whether the calendar may say that at Spring bud in the North Eastern United States, hey, it feels a little bit like winter again.

Karen Maginnis is here with us to explain what's happening here.

KAREN MAGINNIS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Yes, a one, two punch and if you are viewing us from New York City or Washington D.C.. Yes, there is some snowfall to report.

(WEATHER REPORT)

HOWELL: Karen Maginnis. Thank you so much.

Still ahead here on CNN NEWSROOM. A Lion attacks a man on the outskirts of Nairobi, ahead.

The attacked the aftermath and they grow in fear at the African cities expand into wildlife habitats. Stay with us.

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[04:50:27] (WORLD SPORTS)

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HOWELL: A lion attack just outside of Kenya's capital is raising concerns about wild animals living near big cities in Africa.

Lions have in fact, wondered off from Nairobi's National Park three times this past month alone.

Ian Lee reports the animals are terrifying citizens and alarming wildlife officials.

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IAN LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A group of men surround an escape lion from Nairobi National Park, taking pictures and throwing rocks. The famous feline known as Mohawk lashes out, injuring one person.

Wildlife rangers arrived on scene but without tranquilizers they shoot and kill the big cat. The action taken as a last resort out of concern for public safety, say officials.

Kenyan's were outraged, many criticizing the wildlife service and using the hash tag "Justice for Mohawk".

This is the forth time a lion has escaped Nairobi National Park in about a month.

The 117 square kilometer park butts up to the city of over 3 million, home to an array of animals including zebras, giraffes and antelope. Despite the escapes, you're heart pressed to find a lion in the park.

Only 35 lions live here according to wildlife officials but when they escape they can be dangerous.

MICHAEL ODORI, LION ATTACK SURVIVOR: I said, oh God, while all this bad days to me.

LEE: A lion attacked Michael Odori while he was on his way to work.

ODORI: I saw its -- taking out its teeth, climbing to -- mouth and my face.

LEE: The feline fled but not before crashing his shoulder, the claws ripping his flesh. The activist fear, encounters like this could grow more common.

As the city of Nairobi continues to expand and develop around the park, it's encroaching on the habitats of not only the lions but the lion's prey.

[04:55:00] Conservationists say that this will increase the likelihood of lions leaving the park and encountering humans.

The city has expanded 10 folds since the 1940s. The land surrounding the park is privately owned and prime real estate.

A recent road cutting through the park has also reduced habitat. Some lions leave the park searching for food, mainly livestock putting them in direct conflict with humans. And then, there are the migratory routes.

PAUL GATHITU, KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE: Wildlife used to migrate into those particular areas and that particular area now is very settled. So it means that when they come out, they now get closer to people.

LEE: If a plan isn't developed, the officials might be forced to fence off the park turning the Nairobi National Park into a national zoo. Ian Lee, CNN, Nairobi.

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HOWELL: And as we close this hour, we would be remised not to tell you about this internationally recognized day, it is a day when anyone can be a kid. All you have to do is grab your pillow.

So, people around the world, they vaulted (ph) out doing this. The seventh annual international Pillow Fight Day, Saturday.

Dressed in their pajamas, participants in Berlin, Germany also blew off some steam having fun with this. Look at that.

And, in Hong Kong, the feathers are flying too as well. People of all ages took part of the festivities some even wore superhero costumes even Batman and Spiderman were spotted in the crowd there.

Good to grab a pillow at this point. Thank you so much for being with us this hour. I'm George Howell at the CNN center in Atlanta.

I'll be back after the break with more news from around the world.

Thank you for watching CNN, the World in Atlanta (ph).

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[05:00:13] HOWELL: Reopened but not fully.