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UK About-Face On Sailors Selling Stories

Public outcry leads to ban on further embarrassing interviews

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 10, 2007 6:14 AM CDT

(Newser) – The British Ministry of Defense bowed to public opinion last night and banned further media deals for the sailors and marines released from captivity in Iran. The decision to let the detainees sell their stories had "not reached a satisfactory outcome," the defense secretary said.

The about-face does not affect deals already struck by Faye Turney and Arthur Batchelor, who were paid about $200,000 each for telling their stories to the tabloids. Lord Heseltine said the initial ruling was akin to saying "Look lads, Rupert Murdoch's Sun has taken over. He's got the big cheque books and if he's prepared to pay, to hell with any rules or regulations."

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

British sailors hold press conference. (AlreadyKnownAs (YouTube))

Royal Navy personel OM Arthur Batchelor (Getty Images)

Royal Navy personel (L-R) Lt Felix Carman, Mne Adam Sperry and... (Getty Images)

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British sailors' press conference. (AlreadyKnownAs (YouTube))

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UK About-Face On Sailors Selling Stories