Iran charges three detained Americans with espionage

[Hi_Tower]

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran has charged (http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE5A829G20091109)three detained U.S. citizens with espionage, the official IRNA news agency quoted a judiciary official as saying on Monday.

Personally I feel no sympathy for these 3 or the 2 ladies recently released from N Korea. IMO all of them acted irresponsibly and now they and their families want(ed) the government to come to their rescue. The government should go to no extraordinary means to seek their release, if an apology is in order let it come from the parties involved or their families, not the U.S. government.

[Marrigan]

It has been 100 days now and the American press isn't giving the hostages much coverage. Have these kids learned their lesson yet?

[Tracian]

Like those hikers in North Korea with all the luggage that Big Bill rescued, what are these folks doing "hiking" around these not so friendly third world countries? IMOO


They were not 'hikers' in No. Korea, they were investigative reporters, ironically doing a piece on No. Korea snatching women from China for the sex trade.

[Lifeguard]

They were not 'hikers' in No. Korea, they were investigative reporters, ironically doing a piece on No. Korea snatching women from China for the sex trade.

Some people don't bother to learn the facts, I see.

Thanks for reminding us of the facts.

[daniel green]

Right!!! "Invesigative reporters" loaded down with luggage. :laugh: Is a Bridge in North Korea for sale, too?

ABC, they are long time investigative reporters who, as most of them do, have to carry their own equipment--cameras, mics, recording devices--the whole nine yards.

They were there covering the very thing they were arrested for.

Their investigative pieces and documentaries have been amazing--I have seen many of them on Current.

What do you think that reporters were doing in No Korea? Vacationing?

Certainly you are not saying that either Iran or No Korea is right in arresting journalists?:confused:

[Tracian]

Right!!! "Invesigative reporters" loaded down with luggage. :laugh: Is a Bridge in North Korea for sale, too?


Apparently you didn't realize that both work for Current and the footage they took has been aired.

[ninetoes]

Exactly. You have so called "journalists" from a third rate organization get caught trespassing in another country and all it does is put the United States in a precarious position of trying to get them back.

It is the same with the hikers. If people are going to go to foreign countries, it is their responsibility to know the laws and to conduct themselves in a lawful manner. If not, they should be subjected to the laws of the land.

BBM
ITA. Play with fire, you get burnt. Seems to me these people knew the risks, so by going where they went, they accepted those risks. Now they are left to accept the consequences of their actions. In my opinion, of course.

[Tracian]

Actually, I didn't. Nor am I interested in these gals. Whats Current? I thought from the get go that this was a publicity stunt and the gals were phonies. Who goes on a secret, secret investigative gig on the border of a hostile country with loads of luggage that makes lots of noise and brings attention to the noise makers and luggage bearers. In my opinion only, of course.


http://current.com/tv_shows.htm

[Tracian]

If these "reporters" violated the borders then Iran or NK is certainly justified in arresting them.


Arresting them, I agree; however, either country that would then trump up charges for an excuse to punish them simply because they are American..that is another thing entirely.

[daniel green]

Actually, I didn't. Nor am I interested in these gals. Whats Current? I thought from the get go that this was a publicity stunt and the gals were phonies. Who goes on a secret, secret investigative gig on the border of a hostile country with loads of luggage that makes lots of noise and brings attention to the noise makers and luggage bearers. In my opinion only, of course.

Who goes there? INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS.

You think they wanted to spend months in prison for publicity?????? :scared:

[ninetoes]

I think they got more then they bargined for in the entire event.

Yep. Too bad, so sad. Now they must face the laws of the country they CHOSE to enter.

[Patriot]

Exactly. You have so called "journalists" from a third rate organization get caught trespassing in another country and all it does is put the United States in a precarious position of trying to get them back.

It is the same with the hikers. If people are going to go to foreign countries, it is their responsibility to know the laws and to conduct themselves in a lawful manner. If not, they should be subjected to the laws of the land.

I'm of the same opinion, flare.

[daniel green]

Someone please tell me that nobody is agreeing with Iran over the detainment of American citizens. :ohmy:

[Tracian]

Someone please tell me that nobody is agreeing with Iran over the detainment of American citizens. :ohmy:

IMO, Iran had every right to detain them; and if they entered the country illegally, the government should investigate if this was by ignorance or design, and deal with the situation in the proper legal manner; as any country should do under the same circumstance.

What really bothers me, is that IMO, Iran, like NO. Korea, are trumping up charges and punishing them, or threatening to punish them simply because they are Americans.

If I am correct, and the latter is true, I would be amazed if American citizens would not be outraged.

[Freebird]

Exactly. It is their responsibility to operate within the law and to respect borders.

Guess this would also apply to people coming across the US/Mex border.

[Tracian]

Trumping up charges is not new for Iran, this is well known and all the more reason these 3 are either incredibly stupid or maybe they are spies.


I think the first possiblity is correct.