Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Sam Donaldson) Report introduced.

(Oakdale, LA: Mike Von Fremd) Release of hostages signaling end of siege at Oakdale, LA, prison by Cuban detainees reported; details given, scenes shown. Response of relatives to hostages' release shown. Agreement signed by Cuban prisoners' representatives and authorities detailed. Role of Miami, Florida, archbishop Agustin Roman in final agreement after his meeting with Attorney General Edwin Meese noted. Problem of where to relocate Cuban prisoners cited. [Federal Bureau of Prisons spokesperson J.D. WILLIAMS - says decision will be made on beds-available basis.] Reunion of released hostages and families shown.

(Atlanta, Georgia: Al Dale) Release of four hostages held in Atlanta penitentiary by Cuban prisoners reported; details given, scenes shown. Four said to be prison psychiatrist Dr. Walter Cassidy, psychologist Carl Gates, education coordinator Manuel Echevarria and cook supervisor Lawrence Greer. [ECHEVARRIA - praises treatment by captors.] Issue of leadership among prisoners discussed. [Justice Department spokesperson Tom STEWART - discusses delivering of hostages by new leadership] Radio message of prisoners' demands played. Water in prison said turned back on after today's negotiating session.

(Studio: Sam Donaldson) Stmt. by Meese on continuing role of Justice Department until all hostages free reported Agreement said calling for case-by-case review and moratorium on returning Cubans, but not promising no one will ever be sent back to Cuba. Stmt. by Senator Alan Simpson with regard to reasons these men are in prison and on sending them back to Cuba reported