[meteorite-list] A Message Concerning Oman

From: JKGwilliam <h3chondrite_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sat May 14 23:59:34 2005
Message-ID: <6.2.1.2.2.20050514210009.02c00850_at_pop.west.cox.net>

Hello List Members,
Fellow list member, John Blennert, has been experiencing problems posting
to this list so he has asked me to forward this message to you.

Best,
John Gwilliam
*****************************************************************
John Blennerts wrote:

Hello List Members,

Recently, there have been some rumors and speculation about a recent event
involving some meteorite hunters being detained in Oman. To set the record
straight, there were nine (9) of us involved in the recent incident that
resulted in our arrest and detention in Oman . Included were six
(6)Russians , one (1) Latvian , one (1) German and one American (me) . I
don't understand the laws under which we were held and deported . We are
working on getting copies of the laws and translations listed on the
deportation documents we were given before leaving the country. It is my
opinion and understanding that Oman currently does not have any laws
specifically prohibiting meteorite hunting and exporting, or at least its a
very grey area in their current laws . But, certain recent events made a
few individuals there very aware of the practices . We were arrested,
briefly jailed, then released without passports . All of our
gear, including items having nothing to do with meteorite hunting, was
stolen and or confiscated. While there, our respective embassies (Russian,
German and United States) assured us the Omani judicial system is fair and
just and we will have our day in court there. Apparently instead of
charging us and going to court, the prosecution deemed us guilty, closed
the case and deported us. It is our opinion that this was done in an
attempt to not create negative publicity about their treatment of tourist
which might injure their attempts to increase tourism.

This event has been a major financial and emotional hardship for my friends
and myself, and we believe there may be grounds for litigation. We are
currently exploring what options we might have and are proceeding very
carefully. Having said that, we do not want to publicly discuss or post
any additional information on the subject .

I don't recommend visiting or hunting in Oman until this issue is settled
and/or we have clarity of the current laws in Oman . If there are any
attorneys on the Meteorite List that are familiar with aspects of
international laws or treaties who might consider giving us pointers or
guidance, we could really use the help! If you would like to offer your
services pro bono or for a reasonable fee or possibly work on a percentage
basis, I can be reached off list at
<mailto:goldmaster_at_gci-net.com>goldmaster@gci-net.com or you can call
collect in the evening (520)325-8585 .

Warmest Regards

John Blennert
Received on Sun 15 May 2005 12:00:35 AM PDT