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| Latin America |
| Brazil holds ’obscene’ US pilot |
| 2004-01-14 |
| An American Airlines pilot has been detained in Brazil after making an obscene gesture when photographed on arrival, Brazilian police have said. Guess they didn’t buy his "Brazil’s number one" story. The pilot was being photographed at Sao Paulo airport in line with new entry requirements for US citizens. The crew of the flight arriving from Miami were also detained, police said. "Thanks alot, Captain. We get a lay-over in Sao Paulo, and you have to go and screw it up." Brazil has been photographing and finger-printing US visitors in response to similar US requirements for visitors needing a visa. American Airlines spokeswoman Martha Pantin denied that the pilot had been detained but said he and the plane’s crew were still at the airport on Wednesday afternoon. "There was a misunderstanding upon entry into Brazil," Ms Pantin said. "Questions have been raised and we are investigating the matter". Oh, I think they both understood what was being said. Brazilian police said 12 people were being detained and that they were all expected to leave the country later on Wednesday. Well, there’s another nation to add to my shit list. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #4 There was a French woman who was a resident of Indiana who repeated took her shirt off during airline wand searches to protest the draconian police practices that had been put in place after 9-11. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2004-1-14 10:18:40 PM |
| #3 Indeed. When in Rome..... |
| Posted by: Michael 2004-1-14 3:28:07 PM |
| #2 I wonder what AA's policy is on this issue? Maybe he was 'just following orders'? That said, I'm with TGA on this one. |
| Posted by: Raj 2004-1-14 3:20:21 PM |
| #1 Sorry, Steve... the Brazilian policy may be a rather shortsighted payback thing but what would happen if a Brazilian (or German) made obscene gestures to U.S. immigration officials? I remember they have rather stern warning in the U.S. immigration halls discouraging you to do that. I expect more discipline from a commercial airline pilot. |
| Posted by: True German Ally 2004-1-14 3:09:03 PM |