EDMOND POPE FOUND GUILTY

[Ronald_Barbour]

Re. Edmond Pope

American businessman Edmond Pope was found guilty yesterday by a Russian court of espionage. This is the first time an American as been found guilty of espionage since the 1960 trial of Gary Powers.

Pope's sentence is 20 years and as he is 54 years old and suffers from a rare form of bone cancer it is unlikely that he will survive long in the Russian prison system.

Pope should be release IMMEDIATELY on the following grounds:

1. Innocent of the charges. The classified information Pope was charged with stealing have long been declassified.

2. Information that would have led to Pope's release from custody was not allowed into court.

3. The trial was held behind closed doors; a star chamber arrangement where the verdict was known in advance.

4. Other irregularities: Pope's case was not heard by a jury. The media was not allowed access to the courtroom. Pope had great difficulty in conferring with his lawyer. Finally, Pope was the subject of beatings by the FSB.

5. Release on health grounds - Pope suffers from a rare form of bone cancer. He cannot receive proper treatment from the Russian prison system. Therefore, continued imprisonment is tantamount to a death sentence.

Said White House press secretary Jake Siewert, "The president (Clinton) has expressed his concern about Mr. Pope on a number of different levels. We've seen no evidence that he guilty of the crimes under which he's been charged."

I say that if Pope is not immediately released, the USA should break diplomatic relations with Russia and end all aid and trade.

A return to the Cold War? Well, the Russian government has danced the tune, it's time to pay the piper.

Sincerely, Ron B.

[gene_parrish]

It is like the walmart sign in the bathroom. Shop lifting in not a joke, it is not a prank, it is a crime punishible by law, and you could go to jail.
Espionage is necessary to keep tabs on each other but don't get caught.
I really couldn't know if he is guilty or not.
Gene

[Nonson]

The usual Spy vs Spy story. This time the Black spy got one over on the White spy. What was Pope's real business in Russia, and why the necessity to hold a star chamber proceeding? Appears there might be a wee bit more involved here. Peace

[Ronald_Barbour]

I doubt if Russia has any classified military information worth stealing, what with an economy about the size of Holland's.

No, Comrade Putin had Pope arrested, tried and sentenced to prison in order to send a message to the USA.

Message has been received and we will respond in kind.

By the way, comrades, it is not a good idea to have your jets fly over our aircraft carriers...I understand the safety is off the guns and missiles and the troops a wee bit pissed off.

[Nonson]

Ever heard of a red-herring?

[oca]

Ronald:

What in the world has comer over you?

Russia has a different judicial system, as well as the rest of Europe (Napoleonic Code, etc., etc., etc.)

<<Message has been received and we will respond in kind.>>

Who is we?

What sort of response did you have in mind?

Have you been briefed about the specifics of this case, if so by which directorate?

As the saying goes,"If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen" Meaning, if this chap Pope was found with incriminating documents, even dowgraded in classification
<< The classified information Pope was charged
with stealing have long been declassified>>, he should be prepared to pay the price.

By the way, which directorate declassified these documents?, at what time intervals?

I am sure you have no answers to my questions, so please Rob stop pontificating. You begin to bore me.


Oca

[Daria]

Ron:

Whom are you referring to as "comrades"? What is all this nonsence about? Did you come to this board to insult Russians?? If so, YOU ARE TERRIBLY WRONG, my friend. And you will have to apologize!!!