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American Morning
Talk with Parents of American Relief Worker Detained in Afghanistan
Aired October 04, 2001 - 10:41 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.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: As the U.S. gets ready for possible military action in Afghanistan, there is concern, too, about the fact of eight relief workers, Western relief workers, on trial in Kabul, charged with teaching Christianity. One of those charged is a 24- year-old American by the name of Heather Mercer.
Her parents John Mercer and Deborah Oddy join us now live from Islamabad, Pakistan with update on the condition of their daughter.
And we thank you for coming back and talking with us.
About two hours ago here on CNN, we heard from the attorney representing those eight aid workers in Afghanistan, that your daughter may be ill or in ill health at this time. Can you clarify better for us what your hearing about her condition?
JOHN MERCER, DAUGHTER HELD IN AFGHANISTAN: Yes. Good morning, Bill.
The lawyers told us that Heather had a very rough night. Emotionally, I think she's very afraid. She can hear the bombing and the fighting going on with the Northern Alliance around Kabul, and she's just generally afraid. It's been 63 days now, and I think she's sort of wearing down. And we were told doctor saw her today, and she's doing OK now. We're going back up the roller coaster again.
HEMMER: Yes, Mr. Mercer, it's been about five days since we have spoken. Bring up to date, if you could, over the past five days. Has there been any movement on the possibility at all of you and your wife going into Kabul to see your daughter?
MERCER: We were told today by the lawyer that the foreign ministry officials agreed to allow parents, diplomats and reporters to go back into the trial. That's encouraging. We will go to the Taliban embassy tomorrow here in Islamabad and talk to Mr. Shiyene (ph) about visas. The trial did start last Sunday and the lawyer is preparing the defense for all of the eight detainees.
O'BRIEN: Just to be clear, Mr. Mercer hanging his hopes on this, or is this a confirmed visit at this time?
MERCER: This will take a lot of discussion, once we get out visas, about the logistics of how to get in, how we'll be supported, what measure of security that we can rely on from the Taliban, and how much access we will have to the detainees and our lawyer.
HEMMER: Deborah, how are you doing?
DEBORAH ODDY, DAUGHTER HELD IN AFGHANISTAN: We have good days and bad days. Today wasn't a particularly good day, but it's getting better. And we are hoping tomorrow is even better than today. If the trial resumes on Sunday, we will be delighted, as will all of the eight detainees.
HEMMER: And have you had much contact with the attorney who has been speaking with us about two or three times in the past five days from inside Afghanistan? And if so, what are they telling you about the current pace and also the evidence that may be presented at trial?
ODDY: I think today was the first opportunity that Ati Alacan (ph) had to review the evidence, and he's still in the process of doing so. He's also in the process of having the six pages of charges translated from Persian into Pashtoon, and then into English, so the charges will be also understood by the eight detainees.
HEMMER: Mr. Mercer, that attorney over the weekend told me he is the only member of the legal team representing these eight Westerners in Kabul. Is that still the case?
MERCER: He is the principle attorney for all eight detainees. He does have an assistant there who is also very knowledgeable and is also helping out quite a bit. But he is handling the lion's share of the case.
HEMMER: Also, with the other seven who are held, are there families in Islamabad with you, or some of them?
ODDY: There's actually another mother here, and that would be Nancy Castle. She's the mother of Dana Curry, who is the other U.S. citizen. Other than that, there is no other family here.
HEMMER: And, Mr. Mercer, we were talking about the evidence presented to the attorney in Kabul. What more do you have or what more can you tell us about what they're telling you based on the case right now?
MERCER: We have not heard from the lawyer since he has seen the evidence. We believe that he saw it today. If and when he does, we will be advised and we'll have a better idea of just what the evidence is. To date, we've had, like I said, no inking of what it is specifically.
HEMMER: Also, can you give us a measure of the food or feeling in the streets of Islamabad? We have reporters there, and they've been telling information for the past three weeks' time. But curious to know from an American standpoint, as you, travelers, tourist in that area, what is your sense, to both of you, please?
ODDY: I will start by addressing it. As a women here in a Muslim country, I don't feel threatened a at all. I've seen the demonstrations that -- on TV. I've never witnessed anything like that on the streets. We're -- we see riot police throughout the city, and there's a military presence, and frankly, I've never seen them engaged. They basically have been able to just sit down and relax. There hasn't been a threat.
MERCER: We have freely traveled around the city by local taxi. Whenever we needed to. Everybody has been very courteous and cordial, and we've had absolutely no problems here and we very welcome here.
HEMMER: All right, well listen, we really appreciate your time. Thanks for keeping in touch and in contact with us here in New York City. Our thanks again to the parents of Heather Mercer, John Mercer and Deborah Oddy from Islamabad. Many thanks, and be safe, OK.
ODDY: Your very welcome.
MERCER: Thank you, Bill.
HEMMER: OK, you got it.
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