Oliver Bridgeman: Queensland teen trapped in Syria feels 'betrayed'
Australian teenager Oliver Bridgeman insists he has only been doing humanitarian work in Syria and the reasons given for cancelling his passport are "absolutely ridiculous".

Speaking out after a warrant was issued for his arrest, the 19-year-old Queenslander has told a Sydney-based Muslim community internet channel he and his parents feel betrayed by the Australian government.

"I think they've painted every Muslim that's come to Syria with the same brush - that we're all terrorists - and that is quite frankly not the case," he said.i
March 13, 2016: A 19-year-old Queensland man whose passport has been cancelled says he is on a humanitarian mission in the Middle East and is not participating in political violence.

Since arriving in Syria about 11 months ago, Mr Bridgeman said he had been doing humanitarian work in refugee camps, including distributing warm jackets, heaters and mattresses, and working with youth.

But his Australian passport had been cancelled and a warrant issued for his arrest after he was accused of entering a foreign country intending to engage in hostile activities.

"I saw the assessment on why they cancelled my passport and obviously when I look at what they said it's absolutely ridiculous," he said.

Mr Bridgeman, who has said he is stranded at the Turkish border, said he was prepared to be questioned on his return to Australia and to co-operate with authorities 100 per cent.

Read more at http://www.9news.com.au/national/2016/03/13/12/51/qld-teen-trapped-in-syria-feels-betrayed#BsxVI4dGWXlEf4aR.99

Mr Hammer wrote on Mar 13^th, 2016 at 9:25pm:


This phrase always sounds hollow to me.