NationStates Jolt Archive

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e267/Flaw3dLegacy/HBN.gif

Sayenna, Tuesday

Twelve further arrests announced in terrorism case
Members of military arrested for treason, allegations of torture against law enforcement personnel

In sudden new developments, the Ministry of Defence announced that twelve people have been arrested in connection with Sunday's terror attacks which led to the deaths of forty people. The names of the suspects have not been released, but the Ministry has confirmed that they are members of the military, and have stated that the Ministry of Defence has therefore been justified in handling a criminal investigation, normally the business of the Ministry of Justice.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/SWAT_enters_CII_RPI.jpg/800px-SWAT_enters_CII_RPI.jpg
Hamilayan Civil Guards (the 'Guardia') secure the home of a terror suspect

The new information both sheds new light on the security breach at the Presidential Palace, explaining how armed gunmen were able to bypass the many levels of security, and threatens to sow further distrust in a nation still nursing emotional wounds from the Hamilayan Civil War. The terrorists have been confirmed to have close ties with the Hamilayan Empire, the rogue breakaway state formed in the aftermath of the civil conflict, and it is not clear what the Presidential Palace's response will be.

The arrested join the ranks of the 'Eight', the surviving highest-ranking military and civilian officials in control of the Empire and its brief rule over Hamilay, still awaiting trial for high treason. Over a thousand others, mainly military officers, who fought for the Imperial regime are also awaiting trial in state-level courtrooms across the Federal Republic, but these twelve arrested have gained particular notoriety due to the perceived nature of the recent acts as a petty and pointless act of revenge by the remains of Imperial sympathisers.

In further news that threatens to mar the recent success in the capture of these suspects, sources close to the suspects have accused the Ministry of Defence, and the Military Intelligence Unit in particular, of the use of torture to extract confessions and the general deprivation of legal rights of the suspects. It is not known yet whether any of the suspects have actually confessed. The accuracy of this is unverified, as the suspects remain anonymous so far and have been restricted from speaking to the media, but ugly rumours abound of the Military Intelligence Unit's activites of late. Over seven hundred military personnel, again mainly officers, have been reported detached from their units and currently unaccounted for in the eyes of the public over the past two months. Whilst officers are often reassigned with little notice, due to the number of these reassignments and the present climate suspicions have been raised. Whispers amongst the ranks suggest that the MIU is involved in interrogating these soldiers, presumably in connection with Imperial sympathies.

Elise Maitland (33), is the wife of Lieutenant-Colonel Ryan Maitland (32, 218th Armoured Cavalry Rgmt). She tells HBN that "my husband hasn't written, called or e-mailed in three weeks. I've contacted his unit through some friends, and they say they haven't seen him since that time either. It's a cavalry combat regiment! He does nothing anything like any kind of secret mission. The Ministry has gone too far, this is turning into an Inquisition."

The Ministry of Defence has denied the allegations. Minister Bernard Whittaker spoke to the media yesterday;
"The Ministry of Defence of the Federal Republic of Hamilay has not engaged in any illegal and clandestine arrests of its soldiers. The welfare of Hamilayan soldiers is our highest priority, and to suggest they would be treated this way is ludicrous. The recent increase in activity by the various intelligence agencies of Hamilay is a necessary and perfectly legal measure to safeguard against the growing threat of terrorism, as we have all seen by Sunday's tragedies."

The Ministry of Defence reports the names of the arrested will be released tomorrow, in conjuction with the start of the trial of the Eight ringleaders of the civil uprising.

Hamilayan Broadcasting Network

Major Sam Cohen pushed through the crowds walking along Embassy Row, when he needed to, but the gun in his hand, his military uniform and the small specks of blood on its shoulder ensured most people gave him a wide berth, which was bad, really, as it made him more conspicuous. Cohen risked a glance back over his shoulder and stumbled on the pavement for his trouble. Cursing, he picked himself up and resumed running. Just another forty metres to the embassy. Forty more metres to safety. The wail of sirens in the distance made him increase his pace. He ran across the road and T-junction in front of the embassy, causing nearby drivers to brake suddenly and sound their horns, but he ignored them. Not surprisingly, the two guards at the embassy gates were startled by the abrupt appearance of this wild-eyed soldier holding a gun, and raised their rifles. Cohen saw their discomfort and spoke quickly.

"I need sanctuary!" he shouted, almost incoherently, waving his arms.

The two guards were clearly sceptical, and their weapons were pointed at his chest.

"I'm a citizen of this damned country! Let me in! Look, I have ID here!"

Cohen was fumbling in his pocket for his passport when two Civil Guards emerged from the crowds walking in front of the embassy not four metres away, their own weapons raised.

"You're under arrest!" one screamed. "Down on the fucking ground right now!"

The Major spun to face them, the pistol in his hand raising by instinct. "Drop the fucking weapon!" the Guard screamed again, but Cohen never had a chance to do so, as his companion opened fire. Eight rubber bullets struck him in the chest and side, and he crumpled like an empty sack. The traffic in the road pulled over to admit four black M101 Advancer APCs, two from either side, and a white civilian ambulance, all of which had obviously been following the two point men already at the scene. The APCs divulged a dozen Civil Guards, who swarmed all over the area, enforcing a perimeter, and two paramedics ran out of the ambulance with a stretcher to the fallen Cohen.

The screaming Guard, now quietly cursing to himself, did a double take when a news crew arrived at the edge of the crowd. How did they get here so fast? Damn, there would be hell to pay over this ugly incident. He scratched his head and went to talk to the first paramedic, now loading their suspect into the ambulance. Those watching saw him argue with the paramedic for a short time, until the paramedic threw up his arms in defeat. The Guards moved off the intersection and climed back into their APCs, which formed a convoy with the ambulance in the centre. The first two Guards remained to clear up the mess, watching the vehicles disappear in the distance.

OOC: Anyone want to claim the embassy at which this ugly scene took place and the second of the unfortunate Cohen's dual citizenship?

OOC: Anyone want to claim the embassy at which this ugly scene took place and the second of the unfortunate Cohen's dual citizenship?

OOC:i could do that^^
Major Cohen could have Vestern States citizenship too.

Could spark of a quite interresting conflict between the nations

ooc: I could claim the dual citizenship of the terrorist: a communsit rebel against both our governments.

OOC: Sorry for the delay, been busy this weekend. Vestern States- if you're still interested, go ahead; Alfegos, I was intending this to be more of an unpleasant incident, as the Major may or may not be a terrorist.

((OOC: If one or the other changes thier mind I'll toss in a third offer))

IC:

Terry Loudmouth, the SaintB Corospondant for the world is standing near the presidential palace in Hamilay, there is still some damage being repared and debris to be cleaned up, Hamilayan soldiers can be seen watching the news crew for any mischief and being set about various other tasks. "Today the Monarch of SaintB, Benard I, held a press conference addressing the attack held on the International Anti-Terror Conference last Sunday; degrading the attack as 'cowardly' and voicing his support for the Hamilayan government and its arrests of the 12 suspected terrorists."

The scene cuts to Benard I standing behind a podium with various mirophones pointed in his direction, a tall dark haired man dressed in plain but immaculate clothing with dark eyes that seem to pierce through the television into people's hearts. "As the world knows, last sunday the presidential palace in Hamilay was attacked in a cowardly manner by unknown assailents during an international conference promoting peace and worldwide anti-terror measures. Representitives from our nation were present but were not seriously harmed during the attack. I support the nation of Hamilay in all public measures being taken to prevent further incidents and hunt down the perpetraters of this incidious attack; my heart goes out induvidually to each of the brave service men who were slain by these heartless men to protect thier president and the foreign ambassedors at the conference. Those men were patriots, brave souls who gave thier life in the name of world peace and the safety of thier home lands."
A short pause for effect was soon followed by the end of the speach, "It is my sincere hope and desire that the talks will resume shortly and that this new anti-terror initiative will soon be off the ground, helping ensure such assaults on a nations soverighnty will be found and cut off at the root!"

[Official diplomatic transmission to Hamilay]

To concerned official's of Hamilay.
Yesterday, Vestern States citizen Sam Cohen was killed when members of Hamilay's Hamilayan Civil Guards opened fired as Sam Cohen resisted an arrest on the charge of alleged terrorist accusations.
Due to the fact that the shooting occurred only meters away from the gates of the Vestern States embassy, the incident was recorded by security cameras, as well as being observed by the embassy staff.

Initial reports indicates that Sam Cohen did present a weapon.As a member of the Intelligence Corps, they are allowed, by international treaties, to carry a stun gun for self-defense. Therefor, he did NOT present a threat to the two guards, witch we are holding responsible for the direct killing of Major Sam Cohen.
Further analysis also points out that Sam Cohen were, in fact, on his way of putting his stun-gun down, when he was shot and killed.
Any soldier with sufficient training would instantly recognize a common stun-gun.

Vestern States DEMANDS to see the evidence that suggested that Sam Cohen was a terrorist.
We also demands that the two guards are to be sent to Vestern States for trails on the accusation of murdering a citizen of Vestern States.

Sam Cohen's body WILL be picked up by a Vestern States Air force unit on 24 hours.

((I remember reading about rubber bullets o.O))

((I remember reading about rubber bullets o.O))

ooc: well, he was shot AND died from it.
and it´s also sort of for the sake of the game.
The guards did shoot him, and he did die^^

OOC: Sorry for the wait. Cohen isn't dead- he's unconscious and has been bundled away for 'questioning'. Post up later tonight.

[News Flash Update. National Television and Radio Broadcasting Network]
In initial reports, concerning the crisis with the so-called Embassy-Shootout, we here on NTRBN earlier reported that officer and citizen Sam Cohen was killed by Hamilay security guards.
This is incorrect.
Sam Cohen is alive, although unconscious. According to our sources, Sam Cohen is currently being held at a military hospital in Hamilay.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e267/Flaw3dLegacy/HamilayBlueSmaller.gif

To: The Grand Empire of Vestern States

Major Cohen has been linked to terrorist attacks in Hamilay by the confession of a confirmed terrorist who was providing material and intelligence support to the attackers. Whilst this is not sufficient evidence to immediately label him as a terrorist, of course, when Hamilayan law enforcement personnel visited his home to question him (peacefully) he opened fire with a sidearm, seriously wounding one. This obviously casts suspicion, and Cohen is now temporarily under detention whilst he is interrogated for terrorist connections.

If Sam Cohen is alive, we demand that he is returned to Vestern States.
The accusations are based upon the information given by a, in our eyes, extremely unreliable source, who simply could have been trying so cover he´s back.
Under these pretext, we demand he's release to Vestern States.

As for the alledged terrorist-connection based upon the shooting in he's apartment, we deem it a little too loose to be trusted.

"Welcome back, Mr Cohen."

Major Sam Cohen rubbed his eyes, blinked and sat up. Immediately he winced and fell back down again. His blurry vision began to dissipate, and his eyes darted around him. He was in a hospital ward, with half a dozen empty beds, and one man in a black military uniform sitting in a chair beside him. There were two IV drips attached to his right arm. Although he didn't know it, one was of morphine and the other of sodium pentathol.

"Wha... what happened?"

"Mr Cohen, I need you to answer some questions for me. Four days ago you spoke with a Major-General Stefan Ivanovich Krylov. What did he tell you, and how did you respond?"

"I... don't... I don't know... what..."

"Mr Cohen, I must request you cooperate with us. We know all about you. Four days ago, Major-General Krylov visited your home, stayed for a period of approximately thirty minutes, than left once more. I need to know what you discussed with him. This is a matter of utmost importance."

"Krylov? No... no Krylov... nothing... no one," mumbled Cohen, who was regaining some of his lucidity.

"Don't play games with me, Mr Cohen. The Major-General was seen entering your apartment block. He has named you as the person he was visiting. You had a guest in your apartment at about that time. Who was this mystery man? For a time, you were a member of the 1st Presidential Guards Division. What did you tell Stefan Ivanovich Krylov?"

"Don't... I don't know what you are talking about," mumbled Cohen once more.

"Very well, Major. Get some rest. I implore you to consider your position further." On that ominous note, the officer sighed and left the room. This would be a hard one, he thought. The drugs should have made him spill the beans reasonably quickly, but since he didn't, either he was well trained or telling the truth. This would be unpleasant either way, since he was a foreigner. Well, if he was innocent, someone would sure pay, but that wasn't his problem.

ooc:sorry for not answering. I have been working quite much the last days,

IC:

From the meeting-room of the Vestern States Intelligence Headquarters one could overlook the whole of the Imperial Capital City. One could see the Imperial Palace, the Statue of Glory and the Cathedral of Faith.
The Headquarters of the Military were situated on a hill, a small distance from the city.

The mood in the meeting-room was gloomy.
Around the meeting table were a number of intelligence officers.
"Gentlemen. This is a most disturbing situation we have on our hands. I'd like to ask if anyone of you have some idea of how to solve this matter." The man who asked was High General Werett, Supreme Director of the agency of the Intelligence Division.

None spoke for a while. Everyone seemed to be thinking hard.
"Sir. If i may" a Major said after a while.
"Major, i did ask for ideas, right"
"Yes sir. What if we use an operative from Unit 11 to infiltrate the hospital in witch Sam Cohen is being held, and see if we cannot get an assessment of the conditions Mr. Cohen is being held under."
"Isn't Unit 11 sort of overkill? i mean, they are the very best we have."
"But then it´s not the easiest mission we're embarking on. I suggest we send operative Jeanette Reteré. She is an MD and she has documented experience from several high-profile missions far more dangerous than this one"

High General Werett seemed to be thinking of it. "Okey. We go ahead with your idea Major. I'll inform Unit 11 of the situation and that we want Operative Anna on the case."

2 days later
"Operative Captain Jeanette Reteré. I understand that you have been informed of the nature if this mission?"
"Yes sir. I have" Captain Reteré answered the General.
"Good. You are traveling as Anna Geretovo, a medical student. You have already learned your objectives for this mission, so there is no point in repeating them over again. You're leaving in 2 hours."

A few hours later, the young student of medicine, Anna Geretovo, sat on a plane on it's way to Hamilay

Valence, Valencia Island, Capital of the Empire of Hamilay [unrecognized]

"Well, this is interesting," said the figure, in the darkened room, speaking with Imperial Chancellor Dawson's voice. "Stefan has given us a useful tidbit. Pity that his cover is gone. Commandant-General, a penny for your thoughts."

The second of the two men in the room, in a military uniform, spoke. "I agree. Very interesting indeed, Mr Chancellor. Always good to see the Republic embarass itself. I believe that this Cohen chap is innocent in cooperating with terrorists- excuse me, with cooperating with us-, but of course, if Krylov's information is to be believed, he does now have some knowledge of the General's comings and goings. It would be wise to have him liquidated."

"Quite. Very neat, as his death will be laid first and foremost at the hands of the Republic, which absolves us of blame and wrecks their relations with Vestern States. Perhaps we'll even get a war." A chuckle. "Who do you suggest?"

"Our operatives must lie low, due to the volatile climate. I suggest we let Nine do it, both the execution and the organization, to some extent. He can find some loyal people to back him up if he needs be. Money?"

"Money is no object. This is an excellent opportunity, and we may as well seize it. Nine has whatever support he needs. Keep me updated, Commandant-General."

Sayenna

The man known to the Empire of Hamilay as 'Nine' strolled casually down the street past the Jacob Nance Military Hospital. The four Civil Guards outside saluted as he passed by, as they should to a man in army colonel's uniform. Although this was actually surprising, due to the extent to which sympathisers to the Empire remanined in the Hamilayan armed forces, Nine was not a colonel, although he had all the necessary identification. From an office block across the street, three of his operatives in civilian clothes watched the hospital through binoculars. Nine walked a few hundred metres down the road to a public park, where he sat on the bench and unfolded a newspaper. Let's see, now, perhaps a roof insertion. If I can get through lobby security...

OOC: To make things more interesting, as I didn't really know where to go from here before. Any problems with having Captain Retere bump into Nine and company whilst they're in the process of their operation?