The Icelandic government has asked for an explanation from the US authorities about the treatment of Erla Ósk Lilliendahl, an Icelandic native that got roughed up by US customs at JFK airport in New York.
The International Herald Tribune reports, ‘Iceland’s government has asked the US ambassador to explain the treatment of an Icelandic tourist who says she was held in shackles before being deported from the United States.’
The International Herald Tribune also writes,’ On Thursday, Foreign Minister Ingibjorg Solrun Gisladottir told U.S. Ambassador Carol van Voorst that the treatment of Lillendahl was unacceptable. “In a case such as this, there can be no reason to use shackles” Gisladottir said. “If a government makes a mistake, I think it is reasonable for it to apologize, like anyone else.”‘
Van Voorst has contacted the officials at JFK airport and asked them to provide a report on Lillendahl’s case.
The Lillendahl case is starting to be noticed internationally as more and more news media is picking it up, among them AP and AFP .
See more from the the International Herald Tribune here http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/14/europe/EU-GEN-Iceland-US.php
For those who understand Icelandic, here is Erla’s (Lilliendahl) blog http://erla1001.blog.is and here is a translation http://eggmann.blog.is/blog/eggmann/
I believe “mook” is a derogatory term in the U.S. for, um, morons? Obviously, you didn’t realize that the transit lounge is on the boarding gate side of the airport, i.e., you can enter, but you cannot leave except to board a plane. Also, you might not realize, since you don’t seem familiar with airports in the U.S., they are patrolled by armed security both inside and outside the boarding gates (on the runway). You could get out of the transit lounge, but you wouldn’t get far.
In any event, there is no reason to put someone in jail overnight for something as minor as a visa violation over a decade ago when They are a citizen of a friendly nation; It’s fairly obvious they are not a terrorist; They have already been through security and not been discovered to be carrying arms or explosives.
It would seem, Mook, that you’re one of those people who decries critical thought of any type as “America-bashing.” In other words, as someone more famous once said, one of the scoundrels for whom patriotism is a last refuge. True patriotism – like true friendship and true love – means seeing clearly when the one you love does something wrong, and having the courage to tell them so.
Mook, if you already have a long multiple-entry US visa in your passport (e.g 5 or 10 year) – that’s what the authorities are gonna use. So she puts in all the details of “1st class” and “wine”- big deal! If her story was false, we would know about it very quickly. Maybe only time will tell. But the problem may be it is too hard for you to believe that a developed country can be so disproportionate in their response to a simple situation. Welcome to the Post-911 world, ruled by fear and intimidation! This is NOT about bashing any country.
It’s a sure bet that there is more to this story than meets the eye… but it fits the narrative of the gullible left, so they swallow and repeat it as if it were gospel.
First, Iceland is a visa waiver country, so her claims of ‘visa expiration’ don’t ring true, as those with a valid Icelandic passport can enter the US without visa. That is, unless they’ve had problems with the law here before.
Second, you cannot just trust someone who tried to enter the country illegally to wait in a “lounge” where they could leave the airport. They have to be held in a facility.
Third, it’s almost certain that she was not “denied” food, but that she chose not to eat what was given to her. And judging by Lillendahl’s derogatory comments regarding DHS employees, it’s a safe bet that she was obnoxious with them
Note how she had to mention the flying “first class” while drinking white wine bit. So phony
Now she doesn’t want to take responsibility and puts herself up as the victim. Boo-hoo. And of course, there are so many who are willing to believe her account without questioning, and use it as another excuse to bash the US
This is no longer a civilized country! You see how they abused this woman. The United States has been infiltrated by those loyal to the British Cown and to Israel. The head of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, is a Zionist. Look to the Orwellian nigtmares of Britain and Israel for the model these people want to visit uopn the world. They have already started in the USA.
Iceland – DO NOT LET THESE PEOPLE INTO YOUR COUNTRY.
It is my understanding that when an international traveller is found to have problems that do not permit them to enter the transit country, they are (in civilized nations, anyway) escorted to the transit lounge to await return to their own country and their embassy is contacted with the details. For Ms. Lillendahl to be held for two days in a dirty jail cell and denied food, water, access to a telephone and consultation with her embassy is simply unconscionable.
I’m an American and I read her blog. Absolutely disgusting.
In America, Democrats and Republicans have conspired to turn our country into a police state. There are about four decent people in congress, MAX. As you may know, we have an election coming up (if it’s not rigged) and many, many of us are working hard to get congressman Ron Paul elected as our next president. Like many countries around the world, we are losing freedom to both fascist and communist policies. We want our constitution back! Please send us your prayers/good vibes/positive thoughts. We need it.
MBL.is a local news portal reports a similar incident that happened in November this year where a young mother with her child was taken a side and interrogated for hours before being thrown out of the country.