Qatari diplomat in flight scare is released

[morningstar]

April 8, 2010

A Qatari diplomat, who touched off a security scare on a Denver-bound flight when he tried to sneak a cigarette, has been released without charges and will probably leave the United States, authorities said Thursday.

In another twist, a spokeswoman for the Qatar Embassy said that the diplomat, Mohammed Madadi, was heading to Denver on official business, including a visit to Ali Marri, a citizen of Qatar who is serving a prison sentence after pleading guilty last year to conspiracy in connection with the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Rest of the Story

[custosnox]

When confronted, the diplomat made a sarcastic comment about lighting his shoes, officials said.

I think this caused more of the scare then anything.  People still haven't figured out yet that making flipant remarks in certain situations now isn't exactly acceptable. 

[morningstar]

Yes and his little flippant remark--  costs taxpayers thousands of dollars!

[patric]

Yes and his little flippant remark--  costs taxpayers thousands of dollars!

When he was caught smoking in the bathroom, he allegedly responded with something along the order of  "Well, it's not like I was lighting my shoes or something"  and on the basis of that, they scrambled two jets to intercept the plane.
It was universal stupidity all around.

[heironymouspasparagus]

The bottom line here is that it is good to have a black passport!  (Diplomatic)

Wish I could get one...

[Red Arrow]

Smoking in airplane lavatories is against the rules, period.  Smokers put unextinguished butts in the trash which can cause real problems.  This is from a friend that is a retired Airline pilot.

[azbadpuppy]

Smoking in airplane lavatories is against the rules, period. 

....Unless you have diplomatic immunity. No charges were filed.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Exclusionary elitism is good.  If you are one of the elitists.  Just ask George and Dick.  They will tell you.  I mean, how else could you shoot someone while drunk and then get the victim to apologize to you for being so much in the way?