Travel Bloggers Face Decade In Jail For Flying Drone In Iran

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They wanted to see the world and end the stigma around travelling to dangerous countries. Now, two travel bloggers could face 10 years in an Iranian prison after flying a drone near Tehran without a licence.

British-Australian building designer Jolie King and Australian construction manager Mark Firkin are currently detained after being arrested in July.

The pair had travelled to the Middle East as part of a globe-trotting driving expedition. They had been documenting their journey online since they started in Western Australia, and were due to finish off in London.

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Sunrise at Mt Ramelau. – When you think Timor you don't think zero degrees and wind burn. Well, make a mental note cause it was crisp! – We started the climb at 3am to catch the sunrise jagging a perfect morning with views from north to south coast. At 3000m we were the highest peeps in Timor. . . . . . . . . . #visittimorleste #timorleste #mtramaleau #timorlestenow #timor #easttimor #southasia #southeastasia #beautifulseasia #climb #hike #backpack #backpacking #explore #adventure #travel #overland #overlanding #beach #expedition #sunrise #trek #outdoors #nature #sony #A7R #summit #traveljournal #blog #vlog

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After saving up plenty of money, they kicked off their trip in 2017, writing in an Instagram post: Our biggest motivation behind the vlogs is to hopefully inspire anyone wanting to travel, and also try to break the stigma around travelling to countries which get a bad rap in the media.

In July the couple were arrested and detained for flying a drone near Tehran without a licence. They could face a decade in prison.

The couples families tried to allay authorities concerns on Thursday (September 12), saying the whole situation was a misunderstanding and they were simply unaware of the countrys strict drone laws.

As per the MailOnline, the families said in a statement via Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade:

Our families hope to see Mark and Jolie safely home as soon as possible. We have no further comment to make at this stage and ask that the media respects our privacy at this difficult time.

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We made it! . The Three Passes, Everest Base Camp, 28 days, a stack of pretty strenuous kms (and probably too many Snickers) all done and dusted. . This pic was taken on day 22 of the trek at 5360m as we went over the final, easiest, and definitely most picturesque pass – Renjo La. That little peak in the background, center shot is Everest and this was the final time we were able to take in that amazing backdrop. . Lugging our life around isnt exactly a new concept for us though throw in some backpacks and a few pretty high and steep mountains and understandably, although very rewarding, it was definitely a shock to the system. Happy to have the packs off now and into temperatures above zero to plan the next destinations. A nice warm beach for Christmas in southern India/Sri Lanka sure sounds good. . . . . . . #himalayas #renjo #gokyo #threepasses #trek #hike #everest #trekking #nepal #backpacking #sagarmatha #hiking #travelphotography #mountains #snow #14er #globetrotter #mounteverest #theoutbound #everestbasecamp #ebc #3passestrek #threepassestrek #glacier #nature #travelphotography #roamtheplanet

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As well as the travelling couple, the Australian government says it is assisting the family of another detainee in Iran: a second, unnamed British-Australian woman reported to be an academic who once studied at Cambridge and was lecturing in Australia when she was arrested.

However, it appears there is more at play than a permit violation: King and Ferkin were arrested as tensions around the Gulf of Oman have seen Iran and the Wests relations plummet. According to the MailOnline, sources say Tehran want to use the detainees as a bargaining chip.

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Penang Sunsets . . New episode up now on the Tube where the Troopy makes it to mainland Malaysia before we head south. Check the link in our bio . . . . . . . . . . . #adventure #travel #overland #vanlife #roadtrip #alucab #vlog #malaysia #troopy #4wd #landcruiser #ExploreOurEarth #penang #welivetoexplore #toyota #troopcarrier #lovetheworld #gothere #tourtheplanet #ourcamplife #4×4 #camp #projectvanlife #vanlifedistrict #vanlifediaries #vanlifexplorers #campervanmagazine #vanlifecamper #vanlifemagazine #camperlifestyle

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A possible aim could be for the Iranian government to secure the release of Negar Ghodskani, 40, who was arrested in Australia in 2017 before being extradited to the US after accusations of exporting prohibited American technology Read More – Source