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Ukraine Accuses Russia of Hostage taking in Mariupol; State Media: Alexey Navalny Found Guilty in New Fraud Case; Senate Hearings with Questions Begin for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson; Dozens of Homes Damaged as Storms Sweep Part of U.S.; U.S. Investigator Will Aid Chines Plane Crash Probe. Aired 4:30-5a ET
Aired March 22, 2022 - 04:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[04:30:00]
ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back everyone to CNN NEWSROOM. I'm Rosemary Church. An update on our breaking news this hour. Ukraine's armies
Ukraine's army says it has regained control of Makariv. A city located west of the capital Kyiv. To the south a Ukrainian officer says bombs are now falling every 10 minutes in the besieged city of Mariupol.
Officials believe tens of thousands of residents are trapped inside the city without water, heat or power. On Monday the EU's top diplomat called the situation a massive war crime. Meanwhile, claims more than 62,000 Mariupol residents have evacuated to Russia in, quote, complete safety. But a Ukrainian lawmakers says that's not true.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
INNA SOVSUN, UKRAINIAN MEMBER PARLIAMENT: The Russians are taking Ukrainian citizens from Mariupol sending them to what they call apparently, the filtration camps. And then after those filtration camps they are being sent over to distant areas in Russia where they're being forced to sign papers that they would work for free for two or three years there. That is like the Nazi concentration camps and we are seeing it all over again. I never thought that it would be something that we should be reporting about, but that is what we hear.
And then also additionally, after that news came through, we also learned from another source from Donetsk regional administration that Russians have taken 2,389 children from Donetsk region and we don't know where they are. They had just taken those children, be it from orphanages or from families who couldn't apparently help them and they have just taken the children and also we don't know where those Ukrainian children are in Russia right now.
I think the solution in this war will be found militarily, not diplomatically. Diplomatic solutions are now only working for establishing humanitarian corridors, but even that has very limited success. Just yesterday the Russians have opened fire on 20 buses of immigrating children from Mariupol. Several children ended up in hospitals and were still waiting to know about their fate. This is the kind of people we are dealing with. The people who are opening fire knowing specifically that only children are traveling in those buses. So, can anyone believe that a diplomatic solution can be found with people like this? I don't think so.
I appreciate the president doing everything in his power to do this, to find this solution, but frankly speaking, I am afraid we shall have to continue the fight in order to save our national interests and to save our country.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CHURCH: In Ukraine's capital, a strict curfew is in effect until Wednesday morning after a powerful explosion ripped through a Kyiv shopping mall on Monday. Officials say at least eight people were killed but warned that number could rise.
[04:35:00]
In another grim reminder that the horrors of war are relentlessly repeated, a 96-year-old Holocaust survivor was killed during a Russian strike on Kharkiv. Boris Romanchenko had survived four concentration camps including Buchenvald and Bergen-Belsen during World War II. But it is this war started by Mr. Putin to, in his words, de-Nazify Ukraine that ultimately claimed this man's life. President Zelenskyy's office noted Romanchenko death saying, each passing day makes it increasingly clear what Russia's de-Nazi really is.
Donors have given more than $635,000 to help Ukrainian zoos impacted by the war. The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria is praising individuals and institutions for a, quote, extraordinary and humbling gift. It comes after zoos in Ukraine posted online pleas for help. Ukraine says the zoo in Mikolaiv was bombed. Some staff joined the fight against Russia's invasion while others stayed to help the stressed animals. The money will help zoos in Ukraine resupply and take care of operations.
Well, Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny has been found guilty of fraud by a Russian court. That is according to the Russian state news agency. Navalny is still in court. That is according to the Russian state news agency. Navalny is still in court where prosecutors are seeking to add more jail time to his current sentence.
And CNN's Nada Bashir joins me now from London. So, Nada, Alexey Navalny found guilty of fraud as a result of these new charges now brought against him. What happens next? And how does the timing play into this coming, as it does, during Putin's war on Ukraine?
NADA BASHIR, CNN REPORTER: Well, Rosemary, this verdict certainly isn't coming as a surprise to many. But definitely a disappointment. Alexey Navalny already serving a 2 1/2-year sentence in a penal colony just outside of Moscow. But we know that the prosecution had been seeking to expand that to 13 years in a maximum-security penal colony. And that is of course, a major concern, we're heard from his team, from his spokesperson who had said this would make it practically impossible to maintain contact and access to Navalny if he is indeed moved to this maximum-security penal colony. Now we do know that Navalny in January, as well as several of his top
aides was added to Russia's extremist and terrorist federal register. His opposition movement has been deemed an extremist organization and shut down. But his team has maintained this is all part of the Kremlin's effort to really silence opposition against Putin.
Of course, the timing of this is important because we have seen over the last few weeks a real crackdown on opposition movements, a real tightening of control over any voices of opposition against the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin, of course, sticking to its narrative describing this as a special military operation in Ukraine.
But Navalny himself through his aides via Instagram, actually, recently shared a message calling on Russians to really urged and stand against the war in Ukraine. Calling for them to support opposition against the war in Ukraine. So this is, of course, important timing. Really all part of the Kremlin's efforts to push the narrative, to maintain their grip on any voices of opposition in Moscow.
CHURCH: Nada Bashir joining us live from London. Many thanks for that update.
Well history in the making in the U.S. capital as Senate Republicans have some tough questions for the first black woman nominated to the Supreme Court. That's next here on CNN NEWSROOM.
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JUDGE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON, SUPREME COURT NOMINEE: I stand on the shoulders of so many who have come before me including Judge Constance Baker Motley who was the first African-American woman to be appointed to the federal bench and like Judge Motley I have dedicated my career to ensuring that the words engraved on the front of the Supreme Court building equal justice under law are a reality and not just an idea.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
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CHURCH: The U.S. Senate is making history meeting with the first black woman ever nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court -- Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. With Monday's introductions complete, it is now time for questions. And some Republicans are already drawing their battle lines. CNN's Jessica Schneider has our report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SEN. DICK DURBIN (D-IL): Please raise your right hand.
JESSICA SCHNEIDER, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): An historic first for America's highest court, as confirmation hearings begin for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first black woman ever nominated to the Supreme Court.
JUDGE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON, U.S. SUPREME COURT NOMINEE: I hope that you will see how much I love our country, and the Constitution and the rights that make us free.
SCHNEIDER (voice-over): Senators of both parties made note of how monumental this moment is.
SEN. AMY KLOBUCHAR (D-MN): You're showing so many little girls and little boys across the country that anything and everything is possible.
SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-SC): I have said in the past, and I think it is good for the court to look like America. So, count me in on the idea of making the court more diverse.
SCHNEIDER (voice-over): But Republicans previewed lines of attack they'll roll out during the question-and-answer session that begins tomorrow. Senator Josh Hawley leading the charge, laying out several cases where Jackson, while a federal trial court judge in D.C., used her discretion to hand down lighter sentences for child pornography offenders than prosecutors have requested.
SEN. JOSH HAWLEY (R-MO): Prosecutors recommended 24 months in prison. Judge Jackson gave the defendant three months in prison.
SCHNEIDER (voice-over): Judge Jackson will likely explain her reasoning for the lower sentence when she answers questions. Today, Jackson defended her record.
JACKSON: I decide cases from a neutral posture. I evaluate the facts and I interpret and apply the law to the facts of the case before me without fear or favor, consistent with my judicial oath.
SCHNEIDER (voice-over): The White House has already said her sentences were in line with what the U.S. Probation Office recommends. But Senator Hawley preemptively rebutted her response Monday.
HAWLEY: Some have said that the federal sentencing guidelines are too harsh on child sex crimes, especially child pornography. I'll just be honest. I can't say that I agree with that.
SCHNEIDER (voice-over): Republicans will likely also target Judge Jackson for being, quote, soft on crime, pointing in particular to her defense of detainees at Guantanamo Bay.
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SEN. JOHN CORNYN (R-TX): I understand the importance of zealous advocacy, but it appears that sometimes this zealous advocacy has gone beyond the pale.
SCHNEIDER: If Jackson is confirmed, the ideological split on the 6-3 court will remain the same because she is replacing liberal Justice Steven Breyer for whom she served as a law clerk more than 20 years ago.
JACKSON: I know that I could never fill his shoes. But if confirmed, I would hope to carry on his spirit. SCHNEIDER: Republicans are promising no personal attacks, but things are likely to get a lot more heated Tuesday and Wednesday when the questioning begins of Ketanji Brown Jackson. She'll likely have to explain her record as a federal public defender, as a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission and her near decade as a federal judge.
Jessica Schneider, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CHURCH: And CNN spoke with Congresswoman Val Demings, former chief of police in Orlando, Florida. Who said there's no truth to Republican claims that Judge Jackson is soft on crime. Here's more of what she has to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. VAL DEMINGS (D-FL): She has earned her way. Look, she's done what we say you should do in America, work hard and play by the rules. She has earned this moment, this spot where she is in. And so, yes, the Senate certainly has seen her before. They questioned her before and they've confirmed her, as you've indicated, three times, two times unanimously.
But I'm sure, look, this is for the Supreme Court in the land. I'm sure that she will -- she has gone there this week and will continue to answer the questions set before her regardless of what they are. But I believe that the court if they look at her record. Look at her credentials. Look at her experience. And judge her in a fair and impartial way. She will receive confirmation from the Senate.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: And no Democratic Senators have signaled they will oppose Jackson's nomination. Several Republicans have said they are open to supporting her.
Still to come, some people are trying to pick up the pieces after a system of powerful storms tore through parts of the United States.
PEDRAM JAVAHERI, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Severe weather season ramping up across the southern United States. We are looking at an area of concern here with a level 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 for not only large hale and damaging winds but a significant threat here for large tornadoes. We'll break that down in detail coming up momentarily.
[04:50:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHURCH: A system of severe storms was torn across southern and central U.S. at this hour. More than eight million people are under a tornado watch for several hours. And this was some of the damage left behind after storms swept through Jacksboro, Texas on Monday. Dozens of homes across the state were damaged in this system. No deaths have been reported so far and given the extent of the damage. The Texas governor says it's a miracle no one was killed.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. GREG ABBOTT (R-TX): We know that you have faced a devastating storm. Canada even labeled it storms with multiple tornadoes ripping through the Williamson County alone. We know that there are many people whose lives have been completely disrupted and people who have lost their homes. At the very same time -- and what I'm about to say may be early and premature -- but it may be a miracle also because even though there's been some devastating physical damage, to my knowledge as of right now, there is no report of loss of life, which is just stunning.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: At least 17 tornadoes were reported Monday in Texas and Oklahoma. The storm system is now moving east bringing severe weather threats to the southeast. Our meteorologist Pedram Javaheri has a look at your forecast -- Pedram.
JAVAHERI: Good morning, Rosemary. Severe weather has certainly been the big story around parts of southern United States. And look at the state of Texas. We're talking about when gusts in the past 24 hours that have pushed up over 50, even 60 plus miles an hour. Keep in mind, over 39 miles an hour considered tropical storm force so very strong winds in place. And not just damaging winds. Large hail has been reported since 17 reports of tornadoes across the Lone Star state. And notice at least 60,000 customers without power across the landscape as well.
The system responsible, it is shifting off towards the east. Portions of Louisiana, portions of Mississippi, onto the state of Alabama. Highest severe weather threat in the country there on a scale of 1 to 5 as they go across portions of Jackson, Hattiesburg, Baton Rouge, even Lake Charles, Louisiana. Where not only a chance here for large hail damaging winds but even significant tornadoes possible.
You notice some of these hatched areas, especially the regions indicated areas in red, Rosemary, EF-2 potential there, 15 percent chance within 25 miles of the point in that area indicated in red. That's a significant threat for some large tornadoes in that landscape.
Now rainfall, that's also going to be plentiful -- 2 to 4 inches possible. Also, Damaging winds almost a 50 percent chance in this area where you could see the wind gusts push up to say 50, maybe 60 miles per hour as this system very quickly moves across the state of say Mississippi, and eventually to Alabama.
As we get into say Wednesday and Thursday impacting the eastern third of the U.S. Albeit the severity concern drops off rather sharply. Also, big-time temperature variants here. Temps really going to cool off significantly over the next couple of days as the system migrates off to the east. Highs in Oklahoma City 42, Atlanta, Rosemary, around 76 degrees.
CHURCH: All right, many thanks to you Pedram.
Well, a Senior U.S. air safety investigator will help the Chinese government try and determine why a China Eastern Airlines flight crashed on Monday. The Boeing jet carrying 132 people lost contact before falling thousands of meters over the city of Wuzhou. So far, no survivors have been found according to Chinese state media.
And CNN's Steven Jiang joins me now live from Beijing with more on this. So, Steven, the video is horrifying showing this plane falling from the sky. What is the latest on the investigation? And when might we know more about the cause of this?
[04:55:00]
STEVEN JIANG, CNN BEIJING BUREAU CHIEF: Rosemary, dozens of investigators arriving at the scene facing this daunting task of trying to locate, identify and collect all of the pieces of debris from this fallen aircraft scattered across this mountain side.
Obviously their most important, urgent task right now remains to be of trying to find the plane's two so-called black boxes, it's flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder which could hold crucial information about how this plane behaved and what was being said between the pilots during those final moments before this deadly crash.
Now obviously as you mentioned because the plane is a Boeing jet, there's already a U.S. team already assembled led by that investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board, but joined by representatives from Boeing and GE, the engine maker as well as the Federal Aviation Administration. It's not clear right now if and when this U.S. team will be allowed to come here to China. So, that's why it's really critical to have smooth information sharing between the Chinese and U.S. teams.
Now obviously given how this plane supposedly crashed, that almost vertical nose dive and the high speed impact with the ground you mentioned, it is just very hard to imagine to find any survivors now. And rescuers actually have not located any bodies or remains of the passengers and crews from the plane just yet. So, even though the government still calls this a search and rescue effort, it is really increasingly turning into a recovery mission.
So you know, it is really important for the investigators right now to really piece everything together and trying to really talk to witnesses but also looking at other evidence. But this kind of complex process could take months if not years to complete even though they're under a lot of pressure from grieving families and the general public -- Rosemary.
CHURCH: And just a nightmare for those families. Steven Jiang joining us live from Beijing. Many thanks.
And thank you for your company. I'm Rosemary Church. "EARLY START" is coming up next. You're watching CNN. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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