The Middle East situation becomes even more absurd as an Egyptian prosecutor has issued arrest warrants for 7 individuals in the US connected to the video, "The Innocence of Muslims".
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/09/18/161350640/egypt-issues-arrest-warrant-for-americans-behind-muhammad-film
Noting that the Egyptians plan to send their warrants to Interpol, requests for international provisional arrests and extradition are not supposed to be honored for "political offenses". It is also considered doubtful that the US would extradite any US citizens to a country under these circumstances. Yet, in this international climate and the proclivities of the current US administration, who knows what might ensue?
Those charged should also consider the risks of traveling outside the US to some compliant country, like say, in Europe, which might seriously consider granting the Egyptians' request. In this climate, normal procedure and conventional wisdom might just go out the window.
Our new-found friends in Egypt are feeling pretty spunky these days. Aside from the assault on our embassy, President Mohammed Morsi is promising his followers that he will press President Obama to release the "Blind Sheikh" Omar Abdel Rahman from his life sentence on terrorism charges when he visits Washington. Maybe he will also press Obama to put the 7 Americans on the same plane back to Egypt. The answer to both requests should be a firm no.
Yes Gary, the risks of travelling outside the country come with the territory. The perpetrators are safe in California because the U.S. Constitution extends absolute protection, not because they wear a sci-fi power generator screen that protects them from arrest anywhere.
ReplyDeleteA team of angry Muslims who came to this country to kill the perpetrators would be subject to arrest.
The perpetrators, travelling to Saudi Arabia, would also be subject to arrest.
Exercising a freedom, particularly flaunting poor taste and hatred, are not entirely cost-free. No, they can't go on a tour to see the pyramids. On that, I have no sympathy.
Making movies has consequences.