Ex-Atty. Gen. Defends Hasenfus
- Share via
MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Former U.S. Atty. Gen. Griffin B. Bell said today that an American airman captured ferrying weapons to U.S.-backed Nicaraguan rebels should not be tried “for the sins” of the United States.
Bell, attorney general in the Carter Administration, arrived in Nicaragua on Thursday to help a Nicaraguan lawyer defend Eugene Hasenfus. He said he will seek Hasenfus’ release. “He has nothing to do with the coming of the Marines to Nicaragua over the years, or Congress’ approval of $100 million” in aid for the Nicaraguan rebels known as the contras, Bell said.
More to Read
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
Taped Jan 8, 2026, a year after the Eaton Fire, this episode features Ondi Timoner. After losing her home, she began documenting the displacement and financial struggles of her neighbors, joining My Tribe Rise to help Altadena rebuild and recover.
Attorney Frank Carson defended the accused for decades. Framed for murder and later acquitted, a star witness admitted he lied. Stanislaus County paid $22.5M to settle his estate’s lawsuit.
Hear from the winner of the 1968 Caltech vs MIT electric car race. But it’s not all fresh air: smog devastates communities of color, and the Trump administration may pull the plug on California’s ability to clear its own air.
