Pizzeria Owner Jailed for Refusing to Serve French, German Tourists in Iraq Protest

AP ^ | Jul 12, 2005 | Anon

[Pharmboy]

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - A Danish pizzeria owner was jailed Tuesday for refusing to serve French and German tourists in protesting their countries' opposition to the U.S.-led war in Iraq. A Danish court found Aage Bjerre guilty of discrimination and fined him $900. Bjerre refused to pay, and will now serve an eight-day sentence.

"I'm doing it to show my sympathy with the United States. It shows how seriously I mean it," he told The Associated Press by telephone. "But one should also remember that eight days is a small price to pay when American soldiers go to Iraq and risk their limbs and lives."

In February 2003, before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, Bjerre posted two signs barring Germans and French from his pizzeria on Denmark's western island of Fanoe. His refusal to serve them drew criticism in this Scandinavian country, where the government supported the war while its citizens were split.

The 46-year-old received hundreds of fan letters from the United States, but had to sell the pizzeria after repeated vandalism and a large drop in sales.

He is bringing a photograph of President Bush and Laura Bush, as well as an American flag, to decorate the walls of his prison cell: "I think that will brighten up the room," he said.

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On the Net:

Aage Bjerre's Web page: http://www.aagespizza.com

[FairOpinion]

"I like what happens when you click on the French flag and then on the German flag. Hahahaha. "Aage's pizza, it's not for cowards!!"



Thanks! I didn't try that. Neat! :)

[Just A Nobody]

Glad you enjoyed it! I see some one else pinged you later. Love this guy!

[Cap'n Crunch]

Wow. Incredible. The President ought to bring this guy over for a visit and a key to the city.