Jonathan Idema
American vigilante
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Q: Who is Jonathan Idema?
A: Jonathan Keith Idema was a former American soldier who became a private military contractor and was later convicted of running a private prison in Afghanistan.
Q: What was Jonathan Idema's background?
A: Idema served in the U.S. Army during the 1980s and was honorably discharged at the rank of first class sergeant. After his military service, he became a private investigator and worked on various cases.
Q: What led to Jonathan Idema's arrest?
A: In 2004, Idema and two other Americans were arrested by the Afghan authorities for running a private prison in Kabul. They claimed to be working on a counter-terrorism mission, but their actions were deemed illegal by the Afghan government.
Q: Was Jonathan Idema's operation authorized by the U.S. government?
A: No, the U.S. government denied any involvement in Idema's activities and stated that he was acting on his own. The authorities in Afghanistan also refuted his claims of being on a legitimate counter-terrorism mission.
Q: What were the charges against Jonathan Idema?
A: Idema was charged with kidnapping, torture, and running a private prison without authorization. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Afghan legal system.
Q: Did Jonathan Idema appeal his conviction?
A: Yes, Idema appealed his conviction but was denied by the Afghan court. The U.S. government also declined to intervene on his behalf, stating that he was not acting as a representative of the United States.
Q: How did the public react to Jonathan Idema's case?
A: Opinions on Idema's case were divided. Some viewed him as a patriot who was trying to protect American interests, while others saw him as a vigilante who operated outside the law. The media coverage surrounding his case was extensive.
Q: What happened to Jonathan Idema after his conviction?
A: Idema served three years of his 10-year sentence before being released on parole in 2007. After his release, he returned to the United States.
Q: Did Jonathan Idema face any legal consequences in the United States?
A: Upon his return to the United States, Idema faced charges related to fraud and impersonating a federal agent. He was found guilty and sentenced to 5 years in prison, which he served concurrently with his previous sentence.
Q: What is Jonathan Idema's status today?
A: After serving his sentence, Jonathan Idema's whereabouts and current activities are not publicly known.