America confiscates Scott Ritter`s passport
(MENAFN) Scott Ritter, a former Marine and United Nations weapons inspector, revealed to RT on Monday that the United States State Department had confiscated his passport as he was en route to Russia for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Ritter recounted being pulled aside by Police officers while boarding his flight, who informed him that his passport was being seized on orders from the State Department. Despite his inquiries, Ritter was provided with no further information and was escorted out of the airport, leaving his bags behind.
The seizure of Ritter's passport has sparked questions regarding its legality and implications for his rights under the United States Constitution. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova raised concerns about potential violations of the First Amendment, which safeguards freedoms of speech, press, and assembly, as well as the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.
Ritter, a former intelligence officer in the United States Marine Corps and a prominent figure in international security and arms control, has been a contributor to RT, covering topics such as military affairs, Russia, and the Middle East. His recent travels to Russia have included visits to Chechnya, Moscow, and St. Petersburg, where he has engaged in discussions on various geopolitical issues.
In a defiant statement on his Telegram channel, Ritter challenged accusations of being a "Russian propagandist" and reaffirmed his commitment to truth-telling, even if it means facing scrutiny from organizations like the Clooney Foundation for Justice. He asserted his readiness to defend his rights under the First Amendment and expressed willingness to engage in discourse on issues of press freedom and freedom of expression.
The seizure of Ritter's passport has raised concerns about potential reprisals against individuals critical of United States policies and actions abroad, highlighting broader debates surrounding government surveillance and censorship. As the situation unfolds, questions remain regarding the motives behind the State Department's actions and the implications for Ritter's ability to travel and exercise his rights as a citizen.
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