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Bush made decision on Walker 10 days ago

By John King
CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush signed off 10 days ago on the recommendation that the Defense Department hand over American Taliban fighter John Walker to the Justice Department for prosecution, senior administration officials told CNN Tuesday.

The recommendation stemmed from a National Security Council review of legal options that culminated with a meeting between Attorney General John Ashcroft and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to finalize the recommendation to the president.

After Bush approved the recommendation, the Justice Department prepared its charges against 20-year-old Walker.

Ashcroft called Air Force One Tuesday as the president was flying to Washington from New Orleans and told White House Chief of Staff Andy Card the department was prepared to announce the decision, sources said. Bush gave immediate approval.

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The complaint charged Walker with conspiracy to kill Americans nationals overseas, with supporting a terrorist organization and with engaging in prohibited transactions with the Taliban.

None of the charges carries the death penalty, two senior officials said. Ashcroft said Tuesday that Walker could face life in prison.

The documents also said Walker was interviewed by the FBI in early December and advised of his Miranda rights to counsel and to remain silent and that he waived those rights. Walker signed a waiver form, the complaint said.



 
 
 
 


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