Posted on 04/07/2007 7:15:36 PM PDT by blam
Anger as hostages sell stories to highest bidders
Amelia Hill and Jamie Doward
Sunday April 8, 2007
The Observer (UK)
The 15 British military hostages released by Iran were accused last night of cashing in on the ordeal by selling their stories in a string of lucrative media deals.
The sailors, who spent 13 days in captivity and at times feared for their lives, have been given permission by the Ministry of Defence to give exclusive interviews. The MoD justified lifting the ban on military personnel selling their stories while in service because of the 'exceptional circumstances' involved.
The former captives are expected to make around £250,000 between them. Faye Turney, the 26-year-old seawoman, is likely to get the most profitable deal. She is said to have sold her story for £150,000 in a joint contract with a newspaper and ITV. The development was criticised by politicians and relatives of victims killed in the Iraq war. Liam Fox, the shadow Defence Secretary, said: 'One of the great things about our armed forces is their professionalism and dignity. Many people who shared the anxiety of the hostages' abduction will feel that selling their stories is somewhat undignified and falls below the very high standards we have come to expect from our service men and women.'
Colonel Bob Stewart, a British commander of United Nations forces in Bosnia, told the Sunday Times that the MoD had turned a military disaster into a media circus. 'The released hostages are behaving like reality TV stars,' he said. 'I am appalled that the MoD is encouraging them to profit in this way.'
Rose Gentle, whose son Gordon was killed by a bomb in Iraq, said: 'This is wrong and I don't think it should be allowed by the MoD. None of the parents
(Excerpt) Read more at observer.guardian.co.uk ...
This is the British military?????
So.. now they sold out twice!
Is the woman gonna pose nekkid? I expect that’s next.
Why should people be angry? In a civilization where profit is the sole value remaining such actions are to be expected.
well they make Iranians look classy
If they had reached for their weapons as fast they’re reaching for the money, they would all be *real* heroes now, no matter how it turned out.
Shameful.
This only makes more kidnappings, and an eventual bloodletting and slaughter of those kidnapped more likely. It emboldens carelessness among the prey — for the whimsical consideration of such post-kidnap money pots and by allowing the kidnappers to imagine what a favor they do for the kidnapped. Bad news.
Apparently it's the British military of today ... whatever happened to the stoic, stiff upper lip, reserved British of old? Brits today, it seems, given the opportunity are falling over themselves to get their fifteen minutes of fame in the tabloids or on Sky news.
How lucky they were to be kidnapped.
kinda like here
Doubt it … sort of Rosie type body … not one for playboy.
Exactly.
Go capitalism.
Values be damned.
Cheers.
How does that song go? “Rule Britannia, rule Britannia....” What a crock.
I don’t hold it against them for surrendering...that stuff happens.
I am appalled by their behavior in captivity, upon release, and now, their capitalization on it.
This is disgusting.
Consider the fact that the Brits once ruled the world, this is quite a letdown.
How else can one purchase the big five?
ew
Remember the axiom that states, “There is honor among thieves.”
Sell your soul for brief monetary gain, your conscience will burn in latter years as you recall you cowardice.
Spend your euros on prada, for you shall spend forever in regret.
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