US Judge Awards Pro-Regime Change Journalist $113 Million in Seized Iranian Assets

In a landmark decision, U.S. District Senior Judge Richard J. Leon has awarded journalist Shane Bauer $113 million in damages, seized from Iranian funds by the U.S. sanctions regime, as reported by The Grayzone. This ruling is part of a broader judgment granting over $500 million to Bauer, his ex-wife Sarah Shourd, their friend Joshua Fattal, and their families. The trio had sued Iran for their imprisonment from 2009 to 2011, alleging false imprisonment and intentional infliction of severe emotional distress.

Bauer, Shourd, and Fattal were detained by Iranian forces near the Iran-Iraq border in 2009, accused of espionage after allegedly crossing into Iranian territory while hiking. They denied the charges, maintaining that any border crossing was inadvertent. Their detention drew international attention, with Shourd released after 13 months and Bauer and Fattal freed in 2011 after serving two years.

The recent judgment has sparked debate, particularly given Bauer’s previous public stance against U.S. sanctions on Iran. Critics argue that accepting funds seized through sanctions contradicts his earlier condemnation of such measures for harming ordinary Iranians. Supporters contend that the compensation is a justified response to the suffering endured during their imprisonment.

This case highlights the complexities of international relations and the legal avenues pursued by individuals seeking redress for grievances against foreign governments. The substantial awards underscore the U.S. judiciary’s stance on holding nations accountable for actions deemed unjust under international law.

As of now, there has been no public comment from Bauer, Shourd, or Fattal regarding the judgment. The Iranian government has also not issued a response. The broader implications of this ruling on U.S.-Iran relations, already strained over various geopolitical issues, remain to be seen.

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