The Hindu : International / Globescan : Plane standoff ends

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 12, 2005

International

International - Globescan

Plane standoff ends

Brussels: Police said they released 56 Iranian pro-monarchist protesters after removing them from a Lufthansa plane early on Friday, ending a 15-hour protest by the group against the Iranian Government. About 90 police officers forcefully removed the protesters from the plane which was moved away from the terminal at Brussels airport after negotiations failed to end the protest. The standoff began shortly after the flight landed. Some 40 other people were at the airport supporting the group protest, waving flags and holding banners. Police said all protesters ``were free to go'' after their documents were checked by immigration officials after they were taken off the aircraft. The Interior Minister, Patrick Dewael, said no charges were pressed because no Belgian laws were broken. He said however, the German airline could still decide to take action against the group. Mr. Dewael said his Ministry and police called off negotiations after the protesters refused to leave the plane. — AP

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