Lindh Attorneys Want CNN Tape Barred-Interview Lacked Miranda Warning

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 6/19/02 | Edward Epstein

[BunnySlippers]

For that matter, since when does the military have to give the Miranda warning to captured enemy personnel in a foreign country?

Good point. As I remember John Spann asked John Walker if he was Irish. John Walker REFUSED to talk!

[Howlin]

It's ugly to see, isn't it?

[piasa]

Who's footing the bill... the Lindh's? I still can't get over that, my folks would be trying to kill me, not hire me a lawyer.

[Shermy]

Here's the CNN link. I don't think he mentions the WTC here.:

Taliban fighter from prison uprising says he's American (CNN) (with video link)

But he does mention fighting in Kashmir, among other things.

The WTC reference does come, at least, from the Newsweek article:

Tale of an American Taliban

“In my travels, I came in contact with some of the original teachers of the leaders of the Taliban movement,” he said. “The ideas of the Taliban occupied my mind a lot.” Six months ago, he entered Afghanistan “to help the Islamic government” because “the Taliban are the only government that actually provides Islamic law.” When asked if he supported the September 11 attacks, he hesitated. “That requires a pretty long and complicated explanation. I haven’t eaten for two or three days, and my mind is not really in shape to give you a coherent answer.” When pressed, he said, “Yes, I supported it."

I've said before, send him to India for prosecution for his crimes in Kashmir...or at least threaten him with it. Save us from a ridiculous trial.

[BunnySlippers]

Who's footing the bill... the Lindh's? I still can't get over that, my folks would be trying to kill me, not hire me a lawyer.

I think it happens with parents who share their children's political views ... like Lori Berenson in Peru.

[Shermy]

My CNN Link above is wrong. Here's the correct one.:

Taliban fighter from prison uprising says he's American (CNN) (with video link)

[BunnySlippers]

Without reading the (long) Newsweek article, when did he give the Newsweek interview? Was it later or earlier or same time?

[Libertarianize the GOP]

.

[Shermy]

There playing every detail in the press. Mistake, I think. Should be humble. Maybe not because his parents are lefties and are trying to prove some point...at least to themselves. Even his mother pushed her then 12 year old daughter into some fame as a protester against Iraqi-Sanctions. (Can't find the link...)

[AmishDude]

For that matter, since when does the military have to give the Miranda warning to captured enemy personnel in a foreign country?

OK, this one I understand but only because they are making the foolish decision to try Johnny in a civilian criminal court. I'm no lawyer, but I think once that happens, all the rules (including the ridiculous Miranda rule) apply.

[Shermy]

By date of article, just before. It seems CNN came later, a day or two. (12/1 and 12/3)

BTW, neither interview is printed in whole, I'd like to see them. The video link is cut up, I'd like to see the whole thing...maybe it had been broadcast.

The video does mention that the CNN guy asked and got two American Spec. Forces medics to tend to Johnny.

[BunnySlippers]

Yes, I would like to hear it as well. I seem to remember him addressing the World Trade Center attack while he was being treated for the wound. But then ... it has been 6 months now ...

[jocko12]

JUST HANG LITTLE JOHNNY!!!!

[AmishDude]

Better yet, extradite him to Afghanistan. I'm sure the new government there will be very accomodating. They might even scrape up a trial before the execution.

[BunnySlippers]

[swarthyguy]

There was another tape played on CBS taken at the prison where the riot occurred. Apparently taken by a NothernAlliance soldier, it showed Mike Spann and 'David' with Mike asking Abdul Hamid whether he was Irish, stating that it's up to him (JW) whether he wants to live or die, this is his ticket out or else he can go back, pointing toward the rest of the prisoners.

A kneeling Abdul Hamid Lind doesn't say anything. Keeps staring at the ground until the Afghani pushes his head up.

Hamid Lindh is led away back to the other prisoners. The riot started a short time later.

He left to go fight in Kashmir and rushed back to Afghanistan by Sept. 11. When i first heard him mention Kashmir on the CNN tape, smiled at the idea of a media circus there with US lawyers, reporters and pundits. The Indians wouldn't want him anyway, they've got too many homegrown and pakistani jihadis. But it'd be a good threat.

Not to worry, if he gets acquitted; he'll be a very paranoid and jumpy puppy.

[Catspaw]

This is hilarious! Since when do reporters have to give Miranda warnings? This sucker is going to be broomed out of court Big Time.

[Torie]

The press Miranda thing is ludicrous. As for the government having to give warnings, that raises issues regarding the rights of the enemy in time of war. There is that SCOTUS case that allowed Roosevelt to try and convict and execute those German saboteurs in the US all in secret. Someday, all of this will have to fleshed out more, but SCOTUS will do all it can to avoid fleshing it out, and that is wise. Hard cases make bad law.

[MinuteGal]

Pelton may be free lance, but he gets paid by CNN for his products. I have a feeling that his days with CNN are numbered after telling the truth about his interview with Jihad Johnny. Treasonous Ted Turner is still a CNN stockholder and is probably having an apoplexic fit right now over this whole scenario.

Leni

[swarthyguy]

CNN had a special where they played very long chunks of it. About 35 minutes or so total. Some of it was just moving him around with background conversation by the US Special Ops guys who were treating him interspersed by the groans of the other wounded jihadis.

It was very incriminating. He knew what he was doing, was unrepentant.

There was article posted here about Robert Pelton, the guy who found him and filmed the interview. It was an interview describing how he got the story. Good read, even though it was from salon.