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Morning News

Jailed Scientist Wen Ho Lee Still Waiting to be Freed

Aired September 12, 2000 - 9:06 a.m. ET

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

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Jailed scientist Wen Ho Lee still waiting to be freed from a jail in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His expected release yesterday hit a late-day snag while lawyers haggled over a plea agreement. Another court hearing planned for today.

CNN's Tony Clark watching now from Albuquerque on this matter.

Tony, good morning.

TONY CLARK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.

You know, yesterday, when we talked, everything seemed to be all set. Wen Ho Lee was going to plead guilty to one count, the other counts would be dropped, and he would be freed yesterday afternoon.

But when the court hearing began, yesterday afternoon, as soon as it began, the prosecutors stood up and said he and the defense attorneys needed a one-hour recess. They needed to iron out some last-minute details. And then that -- eventually stretched on into almost three hours before Judge James Parker came in and said that he regretted to tell the packed courtroom that there would be no hearing that day, that he was recessing the hearing until Wednesday morning, at which time this whole matter may or may not be resolved.

Wen Ho Lee's children expressed disappointment that their father was not going to be coming home, but they said, they were encouraged by his supporters.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ALBERTA LEE, DAUGHTER OF WEN HO LEE: We love the support our supporters are giving out. I mean, have them clapping for my dad, just to give him support, tell him to stay strong. So many people across the country, so many Americans of all different backgrounds across the country fighting for us.

CHUNG LEE, SON OF WEN HO LEE: I'm sure my dad would be encouraged the last couple of more days in confinement. He's a strong guy. And I think it is very heartwarming for him to see all the supporters out there.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CLARK: The lawyers for both sides aren't talking about what this latest hang up is. The feelings here in Albuquerque are that it may be over a government request that Wen Ho Lee drop his claim that he was singled out because of racial profiling, or some disagreement over the proffer from Lee, his statement of what the facts are, and what he is willing to do in exchange for the plea agreement -- Bill.

HEMMER: Tony, it is said that he was returned to solitary confinement after yesterday's hearing, the way he has been held for the better part of nine months. Is this solitary confinement the same way we understand the term? And if so, if he is so close to being free, why keep a man in such a condition?

CLARK: Well, in fact, that's one of the issues that the defense has brought up all along, that he is being held in tighter security than he needs to be. And in fact, the prosecution has argued that he should remain in jail.

They were arguing -- in fact yesterday they would have been in Denver at the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals arguing he is a security risk and needs to be held in solitary confinement. So, you know, it's a difference of opinion about how -- what kind of a risk he presents. And maybe we will know a little bit more at tomorrow morning's hearing.

HEMMER: Clearly, OK, Tony Clark. Thanks, Tony, live in Albuquerque there.

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