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CNN Live Sunday

America Aid Workers Imprisoned in Afghanistan

Aired September 30, 2001 - 17:10   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.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR: The trial of eight international aid workers resumed today in Afghanistan's capitol for the first time since the attacks on the United States. Two Americans, four Germans and two Australians are accused of trying to spread Christianity in the Muslim nation. The Taliban judge the trial reportedly has told the defendants the attacks and possible retaliation by the international coalition will have no bearing on their case.

The parents of one of those Americans on trial, Heather Mercer, they are in Islamabad, Pakistan. Earlier today here on CNN they spoke with a Pakistani attorney who met for the first time with their daughter and the other workers on trial.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DEBORAH ODDY, HEATHER MERCER'S MOTHER: I know that the detainees have been moved at least once since we left Kabul on the 11th. Have they been moved for a second time?

ATIF ALI KHAN, ATTORNEY FOR AID WORKERS: Well, they were moved once . I don't think -- that's the only place they've moved to. I don't think they've been moved again.

ODDY: Thank you.

JOHN MERCER, HEATHER MERCER'S FATHER: Mr. Kahn, I'm glad to talk with you -- glad that you got into Kabul safely. And would you just please tell Heather that we are here . . .

KHAN: Yes, definitely.

MR. MERCER: . . . and we will stay here?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE: The Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law forbids anyone from trying to convert Muslims to another religion.

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