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American Morning

France May Extradite James Kopp if Death Penalty Ruled Out

Aired June 28, 2001 - 11:06   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.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: A French court today recommended suspected killer James Kopp be extradited to the U.S., provided he does not face the death penalty when he gets back to the U.S. Kopp is wanted in the shooting death of a Buffalo doctor who performed abortions.

Here now, CNN's Paris bureau chief Peter Humi.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PETER HUMI, CNN PARIS BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): The court's recommendation does not necessarily mean James Kopp will be on trial for murder in the United States anytime soon. The extradition will need the final go-ahead from the French government.

In common with other European countries, France does not allow the extradition of prisoners who could face capital punishment. However, United States authorities have assured their French counterparts Kopp, if found guilty, will face life in prison without parole.

Kopp was arrested by French police in Brittany three months ago, after fleeing the United States in 1998. The 46-year-old native of California was on the FBI's most-wanted list for the suspected murder of Dr. Barnett Slepian in New York State. An anti-abortion activist, Kopp is accused of shooting Slepian dead at his home in Amherst. Slepian is known to have performed abortions at clinics often targeted by activists.

Defense lawyers also claim Kopp would not receive a fair trial in the United States, blaming media coverage of the case is, quote, "biased and unfair" to their client. Since his arrest, Kopp has maintained his innocence.

This case comes at a time of mounting campaigns across Europe against the death penalty, a campaign which has targeted the United States in particular.

Peter Humi, CNN, Paris.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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