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A4 The Nation The Boston Globe TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2004 Bryant misses hearing in assault case LEAILIV XO DANCE! IPut more fun in your life! Beginners msth iM2-333s Welcome OMWM t78-777-499S wngiBB NATKK 508-651-9041 Couples STOUGHTON 7I1-344-414S Help the Association of Blind Citizens, Lupus Foundation, or the Sacred Hearts Community here in New England Call Helping Hands of America 888-881-9090 -J Illness is cited; accuser's right to privacy debated ByJonSarche ASSOCIATED PRESS EAGLE, Colo. Kobe Bryant missed a court appearance in his sexual assault case yesterday as lawyers argued privately over whether his accuser has waived her right to medical privacy. "Kobe's sick," defense attorney Pamela Mackey told reporters just before the judge opened the two-day hearing without the Los Angeles Lakers star after Bryant waived his right to appear. Bryant is expected to attend when the hearing resumes today, said Karen Salaz, state courts spokeswoman. He was in the area nesses, apparently trying to determine what Bryant's 19-year-old accuser told them about her medical history.

At least two witnesses, including Lindsey McKinney, a former roommate of the woman, appeared close to tears when they left the courtroom. "Team Kobe has an opportunity to examine witnesses allied with the accuser under oath," said Craig Silverman, an attorney who is following the case. "This is a golden opportunity to get free discovery." Bryant, 25, faces four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation if he is convicted of felony sexual assault He has said he had consensual sex with the employee of the mountain resort near Vail where he was staying last June. The defense has suggested the woman twice attempted suicide and was taking an antidepressant in the months before her encounter with Bryant Bryant" lawyers say the woman waived her right to medical privacy by discussing her history with friends and others a key argument that, if successful, would allow the defense to use the details in hopes of undermining her credibility with a jury. If the judge rules the woman waived her medical privacy rights, the defense would still have to prove the information is relevant to be able to use it against her at trial.

State District Judge Terry Ruckriegle closed the hearing to the public to protect the woman's privacy, but court officials confirmed medical privacy issues were being discussed. The hearing is also expected to include closed-door arguments about whether I MI ifTTf from Nepal, softly colored rugs with a 'tone on tone' palette 1 JkW hSj) aeafes 0 I Jr yflXy luminescence ideal for today's casual sophistication. Gresonaninc Neuwr, ma, 617-244-2553 Oriental Rugs My IW 10-), -5, Sw BS Ot KtOre speCIOlS. KOBE BRYANT Accused of sexual assault yesterday, officials said. Prosecutors and defense lawyers questioned at least four wit i TIRED OF LOUSY SERVICE? SO WAS so I got together with my neighbors and 4 compiled a list of our favorite service companies.

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At issue is a 75-minute interview held in Bryant's room at the resort. The defense contends the interview was conducted illegally, and that Bryant's statements, as well as physical evidence such as clothes collected during and after the interview, cannot be used against him. Ruckriegle ruled last week that any testimony or evidence about Bryant's statements will be heard in private because the statements could influence potential jurors and may not be allowed at trial. it Angie's List. Now when we need a plumber, auto mechanic, painter or any other service company, we call to see who our neighbors recommend.

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Joseph Yee, 76, of Springfield, N.J., called on the government yesterday to drop charges against his son. They've smeared the Yee family name," he said. "I think they are running a conspiracy against him. If a waste of time and of taxpayers' dollars." A Pentagon spokeswoman referred questions to a spokeswoman at Guantanamo, who did not immediately return a call for comment The elder Yee spoke at a news conference before flying to Fort Benning, for the resumption tomorrow of a hearing in his son's case. Yee was arrested in September at the Jacksonville, airport on suspicion of espionage.

Customs officials confiscated notes found on him during a search. The elder Yee said he wants to know why another Army officer, Colonel Jack Farr, accused of mishandling classified material and making false statements was allowed to remain on duty. Charges of spying and aiding the enemy both capital offenses were never brought against Captain Yee. He faces lesser allegations of mishandling classified data, disobeying orders, adultery, and storing pornography on an Army 4. I 1.

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