Scientist in secrets case 'not guilty'

December 14, 1999 - BBC News

A former American government scientist, who's been linked to allegations that China stole US nuclear secrets, has pleaded not guilty to charges of mishandling classified information on nuclear weapons.

The man, Wen Ho Lee, has not been charged with spying but could still face life imprisonment if convicted of taking top secret data on nuclear weapons off computers at the Los Alamos nuclear laboratory in New Mexico.

Mr Lee, a Taiwan-born American citizen was arrested on Friday; he says he's being singled out because of his background. A judge has ordered that he should remain in custody pending a trial next year. Mr Lee's lawyer is planning to appeal.