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Ireland's Equality Minister was asked by RTÉ to remove a Yes Equality pin

Brendan O’Connor made the request of Aodhán Ó Ríordáin last night.

MINISTER OF STATE for Equality Aodhán Ó Ríordáin was asked to remove a Yes Equality pin while appearing on RTÉ’s Saturday Night Show last night.

The Labour Minister was appearing on the Brendan O’Connor hosted show and was wearing a rainbow ‘yes’ pin that is used by the Yes Equality referendum campaign.

During their chat, O’Connor stopped the Junior Minister in mid-sentence and asked him, “Can you take off that pin? The pin you’re wearing on your collar.”

Ó Ríordáin removed the pin and said to the presenter, “It’s a Yes pin.”

“You just made it worse,” responded O’Connor before using the word ‘no’ and explaining that he did so to balance out the minister’s ‘yes’.

The above video was tweeted by former RTÉ Pulse presenter Scott De Buitléir who had hosted an LGBT-focused show on the broadcaster before leaving last week. De Buitléir said he felt “silenced” by RTÉ bosses ahead of the referendum.

The request to remove the badge was widely criticised on Twitter with #pingate trending last night and this morning.

Ó Ríordáin himself made reference to the incident after the show, tweeting a picture of the offending badge before saying he gave it away.

Read: Studio clashes, Bosco … Here’s what to expect in the countdown to referendum day >

Read: An RTÉ story about Denis O’Brien has been blocked until at least 12 May >

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209 Comments
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    Mute Matt Connolly
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:28 PM

    The hair style has to be the biggest crime of all…

    887
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    Mute Owen Brady
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:18 PM

    Actually Peru is the new Christmas shopping destination …..exchange rate and all.

    84
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    Mute aisling doyle
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:07 PM

    Must think its funny , The smirk on her I’d be shitt..g myself .

    771
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    Mute Shaun the Sheep
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:44 PM

    They look very relaxed for a couple girls just caught with cocaine.

    539
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    Mute Jeff Kennedy
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:46 PM

    A couple of “pretty Princess’s” who have had everything they want .Their about to get a massive reality check.

    582
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    Mute Richard Crompton
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:18 PM

    Be quiet Jeff dont be such a horrible cretin, lets wait until the full story comes out and the trial before you do the typical nasty begrudger thing that too many people in Ireland have began to undertaken. Feel for the girl she must be scared, who knows peoples reasons for doing things lets not jump to conclusions.

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    Mute Victor Ajani
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:22 PM

    Richard do you know why they were in Peru?

    254
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    Mute Anne Roberts
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:41 PM

    Thought the very same thing, Aisling, she looks like she she hasn’t a care in the world, I’d have dropped dead of fright at this stage, and I’m not kidding..

    277
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    Mute John Cotter
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:19 PM

    I’ve an idea. Have the two girls serve any sentence they recieve in Ireland and send the Dundons to a prison in Peru. Win win.

    569
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    Mute Ann Mc Loughlin
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:54 PM

    I’d agree but for the fact that a lot of gangland crime has it’s roots in the drugs trade. Otherwise spot on!

    91
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    Mute Adam Power
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:46 PM

    That cocaine was merely resting in my porridge.

    424
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    Mute karla carroll
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:12 PM

    Of course they have to say that. To publicly admit she was guilty before a trial would be stupid.

    Of course they have to support her, she is family and they love her anyone in their situation would do the same.

    269
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    Mute John Molloy
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:22 PM

    Like on all threads regarding this case there are some pretty harsh comments.And justified. If by having no sympathy for them and them receiving a long jail term deters only ONE girl from smuggling drugs,then it’s worth it.

    227
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    Mute Enda D. Monaghan
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    Aug 13th 2013, 10:03 PM

    Fully expect to see these two on banged up abroad in a few years. Have no sympathy for them, only their families for being put through this.

    195
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    Mute Truth Patrol
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:29 PM

    Not a good start by her solicitor misspelling her name.

    189
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    Mute Tiger Bay
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:07 PM

    Will not be long until they turn on each other

    157
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    Mute Dan Portman
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:19 PM

    have they said what they were doing in peru,and why they told no one they were going ?

    135
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    Mute Peter Dunne
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:48 PM

    How is so much information being leaked already? Is it peruvian authorities putting stuff out to the press or a pr campaign by defense? Photos and videos of the arrest being made and them giving information on camera
    that is then leaked to world press. Seems odd

    129
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    Mute Ann Mc Loughlin
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:52 PM

    The conspiracy theory was bound to get an airing…..

    24
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    Mute Dan Portman
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:21 PM

    Did someone force them to go to the airport and get a plane to peru ? doubt it

    128
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    Mute Sandra Clifford
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:26 PM

    Stupid girls i dont even think they realise how much trouble they are in.At the moment they are been held in police cells which are like the Ritz compared to the prisons i know they were stupid to do what they did still i feel sorry for them and the stress and worry their parents are going through id still feel the same if it were to lads

    114
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    Mute Paul M. Barrett
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:19 PM

    You should probably close the comments section for this story if its going to be so heavily moderated, it will save you time and your readers time.

    My previous deleted comment was reasonable.

    113
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    Mute Hakuin Murphy
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:36 PM

    I think she should use the “I’m just a girl – I like kittens and pink” defence.

    106
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    Mute vv7k7Z3c
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:20 PM

    Hey guys,

    Let’s remember that Michaella McCollum Connolly or Mellissa Reid have not been charged or found guilty of any crime, and we have to be careful about speculation regarding the details of this case.

    I’ve already had to remove a number of comments, I’m sure people can understand the sensitivities here.

    Thanks,
    Amy

    101
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    Mute aisling doyle
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:22 PM

    Then close the comments all together . How are they in prison if not charged with anything ?

    172
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    Mute Ryan'O
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:24 PM

    We know you like to remove comments Amy but thanks for clearing that up.

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    Mute vv7k7Z3c
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:25 PM

    Aisling, Michaella is being held by the Peruvian authorities on suspicion of drug charges, she will appear in court tomorrow and it will then be decided if she is charged or not.

    People are held by police before that decision is made.

    97
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    Mute vv7k7Z3c
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:28 PM

    No, I don’t Ryan.

    36
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    Mute aisling doyle
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:37 PM

    Oh I see …. ,I’d still be shitting myself , just watching sky news now they are cool as cucumbers …

    88
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    Mute john cleary
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:34 PM

    But why’s she wearing a Mickey Mouse hat?

    128
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    Mute GOLDEN ARMS
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:42 PM

    Agree 100% Joan and Buckwheat, I seem to recall an article on the Tsaernaev brothers trial not so long ago, and comments were disabled for legal reasons…..even after all their articles that left out the words Suspect and Alleged..dunno what’s goin on with them

    28
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    Mute Sinead
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:30 PM

    Can’t help feeling sorry for their families

    98
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    Mute Ann Mc Loughlin
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    Aug 13th 2013, 10:05 PM

    Yes Sinead I do too, those poor families either way it’s torture and a life sentence for them, they neither reared them nor groomed them for this nor was this their dream for their baby girls. If the girls are convicted their poor innocent families are going to suffer too, are the girls innocent? I don’t know. Will they get a fair trial? Who knows. Will they do time? Most likely. Will they learn the hard way? Yes. Let’s leave it there guys, it’s not about what we think say or believe, it’s a nightmare for these families, it’s a worst nightmare for these girls, (whether it’s of their own doing or not) so none of this is for us to judge comment on or ever opinionate upon, but I would appeal to these women, their families and any others who might even contemplate this ‘lifechoice’ to consider the awful damage to lives that their choices do. Please stop drug trafficking for everyone’s sake.

    112
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    Mute Aisling Omeara
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:53 PM

    I know people who worked in Ibiza and it was a shit job but never turned to drugs. does she realise that she is never going to get a job in the further whether she is charged or not? they both look so cool and collected just after being caught with the drugs on them, if that was me I wouldn’t be like that at all id freak out and I wouldn’t have my family to support me.

    92
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    Mute John Mullen
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:37 PM

    Let’s hope they both have a fair and unprejudiced trial, unlike the ridiculous prejudicial comments posted here. And I would encourage these prejudicial commenters to Google the meaning of the word prejudice. What chance do they have in a for them alien jurisdiction when their own pre judge them so negatively.

    85
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    Mute Victor Ajani
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:01 PM

    @John Mullen: what is your definition of a fair trial? If proven guilty, should they serve the sentence or not? should they do less jail time, because they are Irish/British and pretty? I would consider this a massive injustice..

    103
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    Mute John Mullen
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:25 PM

    @ Gerard and Victor. This is exactly my point. I can read what I like into this, just like many of the negative lynch mob commenters. I just hope they get a fair trial and the truth come out. It’s then up to the peruvian judiciary to decide what happens.

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    Mute John Mullen
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    Aug 13th 2013, 10:03 PM

    Will one of the 40+ red thumb brigade please explain why these defendants don’t deserve a fair trial. John Dundon received a fair trial and will be convicted in due course. The fact that his trial was fair and transparent means Limerick and Ireland in general will be rid of this blight on society for years to come. If the girls are guilty but do not receive a fair trial they’ll get out on appeal so where’s the logic in an unfair trial not to mention a fair trial being one of the foundation stones of liberty and democracy. A minor consideration for the hang ‘em high and ask questions later, zieg heil, lynch mob.

    47
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    Mute Michael Mc Gauley
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:10 PM

    Disgusting comment. What about innocent until proven guilty.

    83
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    Mute Eoin Mac Cárthaigh
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:33 PM

    Gráinne- question: how many times have you commented on articles relating to this story today (on the journal and otherwise)?

    36
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    Mute Duke of Limerick
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:39 PM

    Grainne,

    They could have been forced to take them.

    32
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    Mute Gráinne Duggan
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:45 PM

    No idea. Why do you ask?

    71
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    Mute Eoin Mac Cárthaigh
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:06 PM

    Because you seem ever so slightly preoccupied with it. We understand your point of view as you expressed it but you seem to have a difficulty with others expressing an opinion which differs from your own.

    35
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    Mute Gráinne Duggan
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:08 PM

    Interesting comment. I wonder what your comment would be if my opinion was the same as yours…

    84
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    Mute Eoin Mac Cárthaigh
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:14 PM

    Have I expressed an opinion either way? Presumptuous of you to say that my opinion differs to yours when I’ve yet to present one. I was making the point that you seem to be commenting every time someone expresses an opinion which differs to yours. I was wondering you get so offended by different opinions.

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    Mute Mr Know It All
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:28 PM

    I see behind Micaella she has put up a mural already. You can take the girl out of Tyrone….

    80
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    Mute Charlotte Mann
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:53 PM

    Wonder if it’ll be the age old story of being talked into it by some cute guy. Remember the film broke down palace anyone? They should just start showing people films like that in secondary school to drill it into their pretty little heads. I have no sympathy for these girls especially after putting the families through hell for two weeks, thinking they were missing or dead. Saying that this is one of the reasons the war on drugs has to stop. In the end the world would be a happier place and those who choose to use drugs let it be on their heads.

    73
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    Mute GOLDEN ARMS
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:13 PM

    Obviously a very compassionate prihk here, we all make mistakes in our life’s no-ones perfect I hope the judge is very lenient on our compatriot and she returns home safe and unharmed very serious lesson learned.

    67
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    Mute Ryan'O
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:24 PM

    +1 Grainne.

    42
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    Mute Eileen Nertney
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:28 PM

    Lenient?! Anyone (knowingly) carrying drugs, this case or any other, is as bad as the good for nothings we tend to associate selling the stuff!

    140
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    Mute Les Rock
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    Aug 13th 2013, 8:59 PM

    I made mistakes as a lad, some dingers, but I was never caught with 11k of marching powder in me bag

    226
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    Mute Les Rock
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:22 PM

    Sky news are reporting that they are saying they were forced at gunpoint by columbians

    63
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    Mute Joan Featherstone
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:31 PM

    Quelle joke, so they couldn’t have approached security at an airport and reported these so called columbians???

    111
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    Mute Les Rock
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:54 PM

    Exactly Joan. Id have sang like the proverbial canary

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    Mute Bob Frapples
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:55 PM

    In the video that was released it didn’t look like they were forced at gun point to do anything. They were so relaxed they were horizontal.

    98
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    Mute Erin Smith
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:56 PM

    Or refused to get on the flight to Lima in the first place? They also don’t look at all like they’d just been forced to do anything at gunpoint. Sorry, just don’t buy it.

    100
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    Mute Paddy Murphy
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:26 PM

    Can every just put the word “hypothetically” before their comment. Cheers

    30
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    Mute Niall Griffin
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:13 PM

    I read on another news site that they are claiming they were taken at gunpoint by a Colombian gang.They were held in Morocco before being moved to Peru.

    23
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    Mute Victor Ajani
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    Aug 13th 2013, 9:11 PM

    This reminds me of that episode of podge and ridge were micky flies to south america for his ordination..

    22
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