British Couple detained in Iran

Their poor families must be beside themselves. I don’t think there’s any point in constantly criticising their foolish behaviour. What’s done is done and we must hope for a positive outcome.

I’ll save my ire for the uncompromising rulers of Iran and their medieval attitudes.

petra

Is it just a coincidence that we have not long ago imprisoned an Iranian spy or is it me being a bit suspicious where Iran is concerned 🤔

This was mentioned on the BBC radio news this afternoon.

Iran need something/someone from the U.K., and this couple will be used as bargaining chips.

We should refrain from victim-blaming.

Why, Rowantree?

They didn't ask to be detained so that's all right then?

There is nobody else that has caused this.

The good thing that might come of this is nobody else will think it's a good idea to blatantly disregard laws of lands.

Is it just a coincidence that we have not long ago imprisoned an Iranian spy or is it me being a bit suspicious where Iran is concerned 🤔

I am blaming them, they knew the risks they even knew the Foreign Office advised agsint it. They thought they knew better.

Arrogant and as someone on Mumsnet said Middle class twatary.
I don't want them locked up for years but I am certain this could go on for a long time, and it may cost alot of money to get them released. These 52 year old have bought this on themselves.

We should refrain from victim-blaming. Maybe they were naive but they were quite open about their travel plans. They didn't ask to be detained any more than someone asks to be attacked, raped or murdered. I hope they are treated with humanity and have legal support to get them back home. They must be very frightened.

They were silly, misguided, foolish but this must be a desperate time for their families. I may not have sympathy for the couple, but hopefully some compassion. They are only guilty of naivety, and presumably did not wish any harm.

She can do some life coaching in those prisons though...?

Silly people everywhere these days.

Although they we're extremely foolish I can't help but feel very sorry for them,especially now they have been charged with espionage. The woman in particular will have a very rough time of it. It could take ages to get them home again and their prisons are vile.

I have no compassion or sympathy for this couple, they were warned again and again about the dangers of their plan, including by people who had every reason to know how dangerous it was.

They were both arrogant and stupid and I hope their passports get confiscated for several years when they get home.

On the other hand I had nothing but compassion and sympathy for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe who was held in prison for so long. She had dual nationality and went to visit her parents with their grand daughter at a time when the possibility of her arrest and subsequent mistreatment could not have been predicated.

Naivety and thinking well of people have cost this couple dearly. They will be regretting their choices now. I hope they survive.

For myself, I’d never go to any countries in that region. They’re all volatile. I even give Egypt, Turkey, Tunisian and Morocco a wide berth. One never knows what could happen.

I heard it said on the news that she is a life coach and they were filming the trip to show people how to have a good life!

Can't help but think she knows nothing of how to live a good life but quite a lot about doing stupid things.

Of course I hope they are released soon but also that she may have learned lessons on how a safe life is probably more important, and to think about the consequences for others, of risky behaviour.

They have been accused of spying, just as she was though..

This is a different scenario. In addition, we don’t have. PM telling the world they were just doing their jobs, working as journalists

The government had to pay 400 millions to get Nazanin Ratcliffe released.. I wonder if it will pay again..

Despite the utter stupidity of going there in the way they did, I think the consulates have to get involved until at least we know what they have exactly have supposed or actually have done. I'm not in favour of the "leaving to rot" POV.

Yes.

The spying charge was sadly predictable.

Not sure the he who is without sin fits in this scenario.

They've not been remotely sinful. They've been arrogant and expectant.

I've lived all over the world. I've known where I shouldn't go.

I was not clever , not particularly well-behaved, but I managed to avoid countries where my presence would endanger me.

They've been charged with espionage.

I imagine they regret their ridiculous decision now

wooden spoon - I agree with your comments

Why is it ok through someone’s arrogance to put others in danger What about the people they befriended and ‘talked’ to are they now in danger ?
They thought they were above rules and that’s wrong
If it was a genuine mistake stepped over a boundary without realising it, had a drink they thought was a soft drink and it wasn’t, held hands when they should be two steps apart her scarf slipped or her trousers weren’t long enough, yes fight for their innocence but they were warned advised and told by many family friends and officials which they chose to ignore Their fault entirely let them sort themselves out they re clever enough surely

woodenspoon

Do I think they’re foolish? Absolutely. However, they’re an innocent carefree couple who may never see the light of day again. In that respect, I do feel sorry for them. All those countries are volatile. It wouldn’t enter my head to go to any of them. I hope they survive.

A compassionate post Woodenspoon.

We have enough to cope with politically at the moment without people trying to be clever and fool the system, thereby causing an unnecessary diplomatic incident.

There are many good people in Iran but some of them will now be in danger too. Perhaps they naïvely thought they would be helping them, bringing their stories to the world.

However, it was foolhardy behaviour and they surely know what happens to people, women in particular, if they step out of line there.