Brazil fines American Airlines pilot for gesture

[YogsVR4]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3961395/

SAO PAULO, Brazil - An American Airlines pilot was fined nearly $13,000 Wednesday on accusations he made an obscene gesture when being photographed at the airport as part of entry requirements for U.S. citizens, officials said.

Brazil imposed the new rules that Americans be fingerprinted and photographed at entry points in response the similar rules in the United States for citizens of Brazil and other countries whose citizens need visas to enter.

The pilot, Dale Robin Hersh, lifted his middle finger while undergoing the new security process at Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport, said federal prosecutor Matheus Baraldi Magnani.

Police accused the pilot of showing contempt to authorities, a crime in Brazil, and escorted him to a nearby federal courthouse for possible formal charges.

However, Hersh agreed to pay a fine before he leaves Brazil in exchange for no charges being filed, the prosecutor said.
“Since this was a minor crime I proposed that he be fined 36,000 reals ($12,750), which will later be donated to a home for the elderly,” Magnani told reporters.

Hersh was freed on his own recognizance. The prosecutor said Hersh expected to pay the fine Thursday. It wasn’t immediately clear where Hersh was staying Wednesday night.

The prosecutor said Hersh could have faced charges punishable by up to two years in jail.

Crew detained
Hersh’s 10-member crew was detained inside the airport when the incident began Wednesday morning and was not allowed to enter Brazil. Police said the crew was not charged with anything and was returning to the United States on an evening flight.

American Airlines spokeswoman Martha Pantin said the incident was the result of a misunderstanding.
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I think what he did was stupid. No call for it.

However, "showing contempt to authorities, a crime in Brazil". Its a crime to show contempt for authorities? Beyond the courtroom where the Judge is boss, giving someone the bird is hardly worth a twelve thousand dollar fine.

Could you imagine the outrage if someone were fined that for flipping off Bush or Clinton when he was in office? Half the population would be arrested every eight years or so.

[replicant_008]

I tend to agree that the fine is excessive but I am reminded of an incident that occurred when I was working in South East Asia in 1994.

http://www.wccusd.k12.ca.us/stc/ethical/singapore.htm

I'm also reminded of the warning that is read out in certain countries by the cabin crew as you prepare to disembark... "Welcome to ******, we hope you have had a pleasant journey with us. We'd like to remind you that the penalty for trafficking drugs in this country is death. Have a good day."

[2strokebloke]

$12,000 - well their government needs to get money somewhere! & for a "minor crime" to boot! I'd hate to see what a parking ticket costs!

[zebrathree]

Good on them. If the pilot doesn't like the security measures, tough shit.

[YogsVR4]

Originally Posted by zebrathree

Good on them. If the pilot doesn't like the security measures, tough shit.

Good point. I say we impose the death penalty on those who use a curse word at the end of a sentence. It someone doesn't like it tough.

[zebrathree]

Yes, but you see Brazils measures make sense, at least according to the USA, where as yours, don't.

[YogsVR4]

You're saying it makes sense to fine someone 12K because they showed contempt for authorities?

[DGB454]

He is saying it makes sense according to the USA.
Which makes no sense to me. How does it make sense to the U.S.A?

[freakray]

Originally Posted by DGB454

He is saying it makes sense according to the USA.
Which makes no sense to me. How does it make sense to the U.S.A?

I believe Z3 is referring to the process of finger-printing and photographing Americans entering Brasil.
According to US Immigration it makes sense to do this to people entering the USA, so why shouldn't it make sense that Americans receive the same treatment when going elsewhere?

It's a case of, if you don't like it, don't travel.

[DGB454]

No problem here to do finger-printing and photographing. Will Brazilians accept a $13,000.00 fine for showing contempt to our authorities? What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

[zebrathree]

Originally Posted by freakray

I believe Z3 is referring to the process of finger-printing and photographing Americans entering Brasil.
According to US Immigration it makes sense to do this to people entering the USA, so why shouldn't it make sense that Americans receive the same treatment when going elsewhere?

It's a case of, if you don't like it, don't travel.

Thats what Im trying to say.

Its a law in Brazil, he should respect the laws. Simple. Its a crime to say "The President should die" or "I will kill the President" in America. Seems a bit silly doesn't it?

[DGB454]

So you are saying It's silly that it's a crime to say "I will kill the President"?

[zebrathree]

Yes.

Just as you guys think the Brazilian legislation is silly.

[Flatrater]

To me the Brazilian law sounds like oppression!

[DGB454]

Originally Posted by zebrathree

Yes.

Just as you guys think the Brazilian legislation is silly.

I said I think the Brazillian legislation was silly? I don't remember that.