Hasenfus ‘Pressured,’ Attorney Charges : Undecided on Plea to Charges of Flying Weapons to Contras

American Eugene Hasenfus was “pressured” into confessing that he delivered weapons to U.S.-backed rebels but has not decided whether to plead innocent or guilty to terrorism charges, his Nicaraguan lawyer said today.

Hasenfus’ trial got under way Monday before a People’s Tribunal, where the first formal reading of the charges against him was carried out. (Story on Page 8.)

In public statements, Hasenfus has said several times that he helped fly in supplies to the rebels for a $3,000-a-month salary and that he believed it was a CIA operation.

Hasenfus’ lawyer, Enrique Sotelo Borgen, told reporters that his client signed a confession “under pressure.” The details of the confession were not known.

In the morning, Sotelo said Hasenfus would plead innocent but reversed himself several hours later.

“We have not reached a conclusion yet on how to plead,” Sotelo said, indicating he wanted to consult further with Hasenfus. The plea is due to be entered Thursday.

The Nicaraguan government said Hasenfus has been under near continual interrogation since he was captured Oct. 6 but has been cooperating freely.

Challenge Authority

Sotelo Borgen also said the defense will be based on challenging the authority of the People’s Tribunal.

Sotelo Borgen, a member of the National Assembly and prominent opposition politician, met with Hasenfus for about 20 minutes Monday night after the charges were presented. It was their first meeting.

Hasenfus’ wife, Sally, was also allowed to meet with him. Sotelo Borgen said that the meeting began with an “emotional, tearful embrace” and that they talked for 10 minutes.

It was their first meeting without Sandinista guards present since Hasenfus was captured Oct. 6.

The 45-year-old former Marine from Marinette, Wis., was charged Monday with terrorism, breaking public order and security laws, “association with the intent to commit crimes” and actions that “impair the sovereignty and independence” of Nicaragua.