Woman Who Went to Iraq as 'human Shield' Faces Federal Fine

Woman Who Went to Iraq as 'human Shield' Faces Federal Fine
The Associated Press
Published: Aug 8, 2003


SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) - A woman who went to Iraq to serve as a human shield during the war faces thousands of dollars in federal civil penalties. She says she'll go to prison rather than pay.

Faith Fippinger of Sarasota was told in a letter from the U.S. Department of Treasury that she broke the law by crossing the Iraqi border, violating U.S. sanctions that prohibit American citizens from "virtually all direct or indirect commercial, financial or trade transactions with Iraq."

Fippinger, 62, who learned of the March 20 letter when she returned home May 4, owes the United States at least $10,000, she was told.

"If it comes to fines or imprisonment, please be aware that I will not contribute money to the United States government to continue the build-up of its arsenal of weapons," Fippinger wrote back. (snip/...)

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/florida/MGA4EPDY4JD.html

This country has not ceased to amaze me since the reign of King George II. I think we should all try to write this woman and give her our support!! She is showing a lot of courage. This is sick . . . . . . .

These rules are set up by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in the Treasury Det. They have been in place since 1991, and are not anything new since Bush II came into office.

Not that I think it's ok, I think this is completely outrageous!

"virtually all direct or indirect commercial, financial or trade transactions with Iraq."
Did she get paid to be a human shield? I DONT THINK SO!
BUllshit case to punish those who don't toe the line with the war.

According to OFAC, taking a taxi in a sanctioned country breaks this rule.

And what about the Faux and CNN crews?

good point.
i suppose just buying a lunch could fall under that clause...bunch of crap. I'd rather serve time as well.

If you're a journalist, or a lawmaker on a fact finding mission, OFAC issues licenses. They do these mostly for Cuban travel. It's actually pretty easy to legally visit Cuba for an American.

:grr:

it would be upwards of tens of millions of dollars, plus severe jail time for those responsible.

"She and others from 30 countries spread out through Iraq in a futile effort to prevent American bombing. She spent about three months there, including time at an oil refinery. Only about 20 of nearly 300 "human shields" were Americans, she said."

So she was protecting the oil industry of Iraq - and the US Army's first priority was to secure the oil industry as well - therefore she deserves an award not punishment.

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

Or, will they possibly choose prison?