Freed hikers recount 2 years of 'lies and false hope'

Heard screams of other inmates

CNN: Safely back on American soil, freed Americans Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer on Sunday recounted their two years in "a world of lies and false hope" behind the walls of an Iranian prison. Wearing green shirts and big smiles, Bauer and Fattal landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport four days after their release by Iranian authorities. In a news conference following their arrival, they described long days held in isolation, the hours punctuated by the screams of other inmates, and their "total sham" of a trial >>>

26-Sep-2011
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AMIR1973

VPK,

by AMIR1973 on

90% of the comments on a CNN blog is not the same as 90% of the U.S. population. I would also add that those comments don't consider the Islamist regime "merciful" for not shooting and killing the hikers on sight. I suppose we could also consider the IRI "merciful" for not executing the 52 U.S. embassy staff hostages and merely holding them as "Guests of the Ayatollah" for 444 days (remember it was the Den of Spies, and therefore IRI had the right to kill those spies, but it was too "merciful" to do so). Where are the folks ready to proclaim IRI "mercy" in that case?


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Amir

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

I do not equate IRI with Iran but IRI is the government of Iran. Believe me it is not my choice and I would prefer the Pahlavi any day.

What I am saying is 90% of the comments I read on CNN. The worst they did was to get here and turn around criticizing US policy. That did not go well with the right.

It will take you one click on the link I supplied and here is another link. Please check and find out for yourself:

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/21/2nd-iranian-j...

Here are some samples:

Darrel

I would not have shed one tear had these little liberal idiots been executed. If the little fools wanted adventure on the Iran/Iraq border they should join the US military. No doubt the cost to taxpayers for the trips for diplomats and diplomacy, plus paying back the "favor" for Oman posting their "bail" cost the US multiple millions of doallars.

3 disgusting little twit children!

Skip

Hiking over the Iranian border...El Stupido! Shane Bauer saying: "Two years in prison is too long, and we sincerely hope for the freedom of other political prisoners and other unjustly imprisoned people in American and Iran"...is so stupid he should go back and do another two-years! What a dirt bag!

PS,

Dear Admin: if I am violating IC rules by pasting CNN posts please edit or remove the post. I do not mean to violate any IC rules.

 

 


AMIR1973

VPK,

by AMIR1973 on

By not shooting unarmed civlians, the Islamist regime (which you equate with "Iran") was "merciful"? Whatever you say.

And yeah, the U.S-Mexico border is no big deal -- just one of the most active drug corridors in the entire world, where drug cartels are conducting smuggling and turf wars claiming thousands of lives every year. Imagine if the U.S. were to shoot to kill every person crossing illegally into the U.S. Imagine the reaction.

BTW, I like your 90% of American population claim (90%!). I'm positive that 90% of the U.S. population considers the IRI's decision to detain rather than kill two of their citizens as "merciful", and I'll bet you have actual evidence showing that 90% of them feel that way? Whatever you say.


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Amir

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

My position is that of 90% of American population. There is a big difference between American border and Iran / Iraq. No matter how much our friends say it is not a "popular vacation" spot. It is a war zone.

Iran was merciful to not shoot them on sight. The losers were the American people like me who had to put up with this. The whole drama and payoff the IRI to get them out. I repeat my position is that of 90% of rest of Americans.

Position of some Iranians on IC is "kase dag tar as ash". "We" Iranians and I am generalizing are good at it. Trying to out American the Americans. Hard core right wingers here share my feelings. The hiker attack on US policy did not help!


AMIR1973

VPK,

by AMIR1973 on

By what measure is putting someone in Evin Prison for two years "merciful"? How many of the millions who have crossed illegally into the U.S. over the past decade spent 2 years in jail (assuming that the IRI's claim that they were in fact, in Iranian territory, rather than being seized on the Iraqi side -- which itself is a matter of dispute)? 


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Amir

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

What I mean is obvious. Iran was very much merciful towards those hikers.


AMIR1973

VPK,

by AMIR1973 on

Huh? Whatever you say...


iraj khan

Where

by iraj khan on

is the fourth 'hiker'?

At the time of their arrest, new organizations announced that there was a fourth person on the expedition with them who stayed behind in the city while the three went 'hiking'.

Why the media never talks about the fourth 'hiker' anymore?

A simple question it is.

I googled it to see if I can find a piece of news about that person but it seems like there is a news blackout when it comes to her/him.

Why?

I'm just saying. 


VATANAM

Editor, please remove this! Double clicked! Thx

by VATANAM on

The same comment as below. I already deleted it.


VATANAM

Why would Israeli-Americans live in Syria and go to Iraq & Iran

by VATANAM on

but not to Israel, their motherland? Learning Arabic? Do they know Hebrew too? Why intersted in that region? Why leave the beautiful San Fransisco? Did you know that many Israelis buy land in Iraqi Kordestan and their agents are working with the kords aginst the unwanted regimes? Did you know that most CIA agents use the cover of JOURNALIST? I didn't say they are, but do you know?

This criminal and corrupt regime is milking these people by millions when they cannot get what they want. Disgrace! DOZD! Why didn't presnt any evicence as if they were?

There are many questions need to be answered before you make any right judgement. I see a lot of gray areas. These guys who want us to believe them, couldn't even use their own words, reading from the script that the State department had approved. You want to belive them just like that? Trying to instigate the anti regime by showing sympathy for the prisoners. Are they genuinely concerned or have other agendas as why they were there in the first place? I hope the care for prisoners, but I am skeptical, since I cannot judge by only watching a politically staged anti-IRI press conference staged by the US department or AIPAC.

I am totally against IRI, but one has to be careful with these smart people and their motivations. Don't worry, they;ll get rich by writing a book. After all, their cousins who control the media would help them with the movie deal. Before you jump on me, and branding me names, just write an argument trying to prove your point. I am listeneing,a nd would like to hear a diverse opinions that are enlightning. Peace!


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

A line from Steely Dan

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

  • When the dawn patrol got to tell you twice
  • They're gonna do it with a shotgun

Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Yolanda

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

I am sure you love every anti-Iranian post you see! But Americans differ with you. Most Americans the ones posting on CNN differ with you. They rather spend their national wealth on real America. Not on a bunch of either morons or trouble makers


yolanda

...............

by yolanda on

These 3 hikers do look like hostages 'cause they have to pay to get out of jail and get their freedom back!......the money they paid is really not bail.....it is ransom! If the money is bail, they should be able to get it back! There is no way to get the 1.5 million back!

Their only "crime" is to cross the border illegally. IRI can't even fabricate what espionage they committed......I heard absolutely nothing! I guess all the espionage charges are imaginary! IRI wanted to use these hikers as bargaining chips to exchange her prisoners in US, US did not budge!

The standard consequence for illegal entry is "deportation", not 8 years in jail and half million ransom!

I like HG's post:

"none of these apologists want to engage in a conversation about the screams the hikers heard in evin."

I like Faramarz' post:

"I hope that these hikers continue to speak about what they saw and heard at Evin and bring the world attention to the crimes of this Regime."

I like Fair's post:

"I find it absolutely RIDICULOUS that 3 innocent people were held and imprisoned by any regime, and then released for money without a shred of evidence of any wrongdoing."

Arthimis, I like your post! 

Well-said!

 


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Amir

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

Sure man Gitmo, Houses only "terrorists" as USA herself admitted. It is a Gulag and nothing less so why don't you come off your high horse. Many innocent Afghans: our brothers are in there. And you dare trash them. Good for you! So much for "Liberty and Justice for all". Other than those who are inconvenient or happen to be in the wrong place.

To add insult to injury now you blame Iran for taking intruders. And treating them far better than Soviet would {hit between the eyes}. Oh yes we are genetically inferior. *** *** ***.


AMIR1973

Th difference between Guantanamo and Evin

by AMIR1973 on

Is that Guantanamo houses the Islamist terrorist followers of Bin Laden, Molla Omar, and their ilk, whereas at Evin Prison the Islamist terrorists are the ones actually running the prison. The situation is reversed.


AMIR1973

The fourth hiker

by AMIR1973 on

Is currently hanging out in a deep, dark well (Jamkaran) with the Twelfth Emam...and Molla Nasreddin  .-)


iraj khan

Who was the fourth hiker?

by iraj khan on

Where is he (she)? 

The one who had stayed behind, supposedly, due to Diarrhea? 

Why isn't there any mention of his/her name?

She is supposed to be the one who reported the arrest of the other three 'hikers'. There is no mention of the him/her in the media.


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Yes Disenchanted

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

National origin matter. In the 1990s well before 911 I went to Europe. With an American passport that said I was born in Tehran Iran. On my way back from Amsterdam to USA I was highly abused by the Dutch authorities. 

All passengers had to be interviewed. Most had no problems but when they saw my American passport they went back whispering. Then called the "big guy". He came and started questioning me. Who do I work for; what is the name of my boss; which hotel did I stay at; what did I do; who did I know; Tons of questions. It was funny because I was there staying with a Dutchman {not the flying}. He said in suprise "you were staying with a Dutch"? I said yes he is a friend of mine.

He proceeded to ask me what was in my carry on. I said the usual: clothes; shaving stuff nothing more. He said "are you sure". I said "well that is what I put in there". He said "nothing else". I said "not unless someone put something there when I was not watching; why don't you open it and check for yourself".  Then he asked me "Are you nervous"? I said "yes". He said "why"? I said "because people of my national origin get picked on". At that point he backed off and said "fine you may go". I was off with a promise never to go back to Holland. 

The funny thing was when I got back to USA the immigration guy looked at my passport. He saw I was born in Iran smiled and said "Welcome home".

What a difference I thought.

Not all people and places treat you the same way.


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Responses

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

  • Fair: I never said Evin is better than Gitmo or anywhere. Thankfully I have not been to either one. Nor do I plan to go not for a visit or a stay. These guys may be "innocent" of spy charges. I have always said they are not spies. They are most definitely guilty of violating Iranian borders. I said many times many nations simply shoot people for doing it. Two years for illegal border crossing is harsh but beats getting shot.
  • Faramarz: Whatever you say. Try asking your American girl friend for a nice trip to Ahmed Awa. Then tell us what she says. I know if I suggested taking my kids there my ex will slap me senseless. And she will be right doing it!
  • Dear Vildermose: I like you and have respect for you. Please do not take my position here as support of IRI. My position is the same as 90% of Americans at least the ones commenting on CNN. Please go read the link.
  • Abarmard: No you should not make too much fun of them. Americans are having a field day with them already. I hate to see what the stand up comedians are gonna be doing.

Disenchanted

Welcome home fellas but have few things in mind:

by Disenchanted on

 

         Iran's judiciary conduct and its treatment of Iranian dissidents is known to most people and condemned by many.

         However, common sense says if one goes hiking on Iran's border with US passport, one should expect camping in Iran for a while if got caught!

        Both lads expressed they were held because they were Americans. Surprise, surprise! Nationality matters fellas. US border guards catching someone with a Swiss passport will treat him differently than if he had an Iranian passport. As a matter of fact Iranian- Americans coming to US from abroad sometime get abused by immigration agents JUST BECAUSE they are IRANIAN!

     For now enjoy the warmth of your family reception and enjoy the international spotlight! Before too late you have to go back to mundane life of paying bills and mortgages!

     Perhaps you are thinking of capitalizing on your ordeal by writing a book and making a movie etc! That's how it goes nowadays! :-)


default

..................

by darius on

I  searched the  area by the google earth  and flew over the area to see if there is any Iranian pasgah or boarder control.I could not find any sign of Iranian military

or gendarmerie present . 

There is a possiblity that these 3 were reported by local spies  to  IRI, since there presence at the area was somehow questionable and led by their agents to 

a location   that could be picked up easily. 

But by all accounts, these three were guilty of making bad judgement, they could have got hurt by the local thugs and thiefs as well.

I think, since they are free now, the  noble act is to admit to their mistake  and go on with their lives.They do not deserve publicity.

We all know about the atrocities of IRI but using that as an excuse in future for any claim is absurd.  

Thanks for the  link. 


Abarmard

vildemose

by Abarmard on

Thanks, Very happy now. Unfortunately I don't have any good news for you. You may get to kill as many as you like if you keep your hate alive. I believe you are on your way to reach that greatness!

Reminds me of Kiosk song "Taghsir e man bood".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeVJlfyJLv0&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLE0A48FCE5CDFC439

 


Abarmard

Fair

by Abarmard on

I shouldn't make too much fun of these guys but it was hard to resist. The name of that missile is puzzling, unless some parts of it is not printed.

Vilademose, thanks, I'll be watching more carefully now. Oh wait, do you mean me? I don't appreciate your lol right after that comment. Which part was so funny to make you lol? I kept reading it and I got nothing. more like Yawn...
 
Fair, my points has been that if they decided to go hiking in that region, for whatever reasons, they are now released and are safe. They should have not done that, meaning going there. You can blame Iran, I don't. I blame these three.

I would not have done that and I am from Iran. You would have not done that. My grandma would have not done that, eventhough she is more in shape than these three, which don't look like outdoorsy type... Anyways, point has been made by all sides and no one is here to change another person's mind. They are freed and seem healthy. I am happy for them.

Of course after their first a few million, this all could have been planned and joke is on us.


vildemose

good news for Abarmard et

by vildemose on

good news for Abarmard et al:

 قتل رساندن کولبران و کاسبکاران مرزی توسط مأموران و مزدوران رژیم، به امری عادی و روزمره تبدیل شده است..... گسترش
بیکاری در کردستان چنان رو به افزایش است که علیرغم آن مخاطراتی که بر سر
راه چنین کاری قرار دارد، هر روز بر شمار کسانی که به این شغل روی می
آورند، افزوده شود...
.

در خارج کشور انسانهای آزادیخواه و برابری طلب باید فریاد اعتراض کولبران این انسانهای شریف را به گوش جهانیان برسانند.

>>> http://www.payam.se/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5067:1390-07-04-08-07-56&catid=22:1389-12-27-00-16-09&Itemid=42

Reform requires the consent of the corrupt


vildemose

 only alumni of Evin who

by vildemose on

 only alumni of Evin who get some meager compensation from the rapist criminals who rule Iran with answerability to no one.  

Tragic comedy that might end up being true.

Fair: The usual cast of characters will justify all kinds of IRI atrocities. That is what they have been doing since day one. Some were waiting for their lucrative contracts and I think they finally go it after complaining on this site for a few years...Nothing new under the sun...lol


 

Reform requires the consent of the corrupt


Fair

You've got it wrong abarmard

by Fair on

the missile name is actually referring to the idiots who are looking at it and think it actually does something.  At their helm is "General" Hassan Firouzabadi, a man with no military training, a sheer moron, and a true shining example of stupidity (something you seem to be keen on):

 

http://www.iranian.com/main/2010/nov/hassan-firouz...


Fair

Sheer Insanity

by Fair on

What hate are you talking about VPK?  These hikers were innocent.  The islamic republic had 2 YEARS to build a case against them.  What evidence did they come up?  GPS locations of their apprehension?  Contact lists of people they meant to contact?  Hard drives/thumb drives?  Cell phone records?  NOTHING. NADA.  They cannot even demonstrate to the world that they crossed the Iranian border!

And even then, the mullah thugs basically charge 1.5 million as ransom and then say "besalamat".  Yes, they are hostages, because there has been no demonstration of any crime or wrongdoing. And yes a ransom was paid for their release.

And once again, I find it absolutely pathetic and very old that every time some crap comes out of the islamic republic, people bring up "America does this or that too".   Well no one is talking about America here.  But if you choose to bring America into this, don't do so selectively.  How come we should be compared to America only when it comes to crimes, violence, poverty, and injustice?  Why don't you compare us to America when it comes to scientific, technological, educational, economic, social, and other advancements? Or do you play the "America/Israel" card only when it is convenient?  Truly pathetic.This is a completely bankrupt logic and nobody buys this crap anymore.  Anybody who thinks Evin is better than other prisons is welcome to go live there for a week and tell us how nice it was if they survive to tell the tale and didn't get raped and murdered and their head stuck into toilets routinely in the process.

I thank these guyst for at least saying to the world what they saw and heard in the Evin dungeon, maybe those who call them "stupid" can do the same.  I hope these guys sue the pants off the Islamic republic - they will probably be the only alumni of Evin who get some meager compensation from the rapist criminals who rule Iran with answerability to no one.  

 


Faramarz

VPK

by Faramarz on

Ahmed Awa Waterfalls and Mountains has underground grotto that is popular with the locals and the adventurer tourists. It is not your run of the mill Club Med, Paris/Rome/London, shopping and let's take a few pictures with the guards in front of the Buckingham Palace kind of a tourist destination.

Here is a nice picture of the place.

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/25337138

 


Abarmard

Iran honors three hikers

by Abarmard on

Look at the first missile picture and read the name. I assume they have honored the 3 hikers on that missile:

 

http://www.payvand.com/news/11/sep/1232.html


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Re: Shame on Islamic Republic

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

For what exactly?

I agree shame on them for repressing Iranian. Denying rights of Iranians. Keeping Iranian political prisoners.

I do not agree there is any shame in protecting the borders. When you walk across a border without papers you get in trouble. It happens to be the law of the world. Don't like it "tough". Should IRI just open the borders to Iraq and say come on anyone who wants. That is nice if we had an economic union like EU. But we do not. I for one do not support opening the borders and having no checks. You want to come in: get a visa.

American kids my foot more like people looking for trouble.

The problem with ultra-right wing Iranians is they are blind. Their hate of IRI has become hate of Iran. They no longer see any difference between the government and the nation.