I've only just heard about this two days ago but was immediately intrigued by the story. The concept was interesting, however there were a few things which did not add up and I wanted to see where the story would go. This story made front page news in many newspapers, various TV stations and their websites. It all revolved around a young female (lesbian) blogger who was allegedly abducted.
This blog was about the life of 25-year-old Amina Abdallah Arraf al-Omari, who was believed to be a half Syrian half American living in Damascus. many of the blog post revolved around her social life and the others were very politically oriented. This blog has 2173 followers. It served as a form of inspiration for many, especially young lesbian women within the Middle East and people who felt oppressed by their religion and or government. On 06.06.11 a post was put up by someone claiming to be her cousin, stating that she had been kidnapped. And it was hoped that she was put in jail and had not suffered a worse fate.
I trolled a couple of news sites trying to find more information on the subject. I came across an article on MSNBC http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43326770/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/ which left me a little confused. The article stated that the pictures that were circulating of the missing blogger, which were found on her site were of someone else. Jelena Lecic, a Croatian woman who works as an administrator at the Royal College of Physicians in London. It appears that Lecic's identity was stolen well over a year ago. she first realized this when she was notified that someone else was using her pictures on their Facebook account.
She reported the issue, the account was closed down and she believed it was water under the bridge, then her face started showing up all over the news.
This prompted me to visit the blog http://damascusgaygirl.blogspot.com/. I read the last post which was put up by her cousin, then proceeded to go through the comments. I found many people who though she was getting what she deserved because of her lifestyle and what she chose to publish. Others were praying for her safe return. Petitions were formed. People were calling jails and other organisations bombarding them with calls trying to locate the missing blogger. Very few people paid any attention to the accusations of fraud being leveled at the blogger which I found a little peculiar.
As I logged on today, I went searching for an update on this story. It was a hoax, not just the kidnapping. The entire blog was a hoax. It was all penned by Tom MacMaster, an American man studying in Scotland.
He then issued an apology.
I didn’t mean to harm anyone who is upset. I didn’t mean to hurt the causes which I myself believe in. I didn’t mean to malign anyone. My intentions were good; I got carried away. I owe apologies to those I hurt and will do all in my power to make things right. I only wanted to set forth real information through the use of artfully crafted fiction. I was too successful and I was too caught up in what I was doing. I ignored the consequences of my action.I never expected this level of attention. While the narrative voıce may have been fictional, the facts on thıs blog are true and not mısleading as to the situation on the ground. I do not believe that I have harmed anyone -- I feel that I have created an important voice for issues that I feel strongly about.
I do not believe that the lies were necessary. If you are passionate about a cause, you should be no matter your race, nationality or sexual orientation. Your passion is your passion. Full stop, point black. There is no point of making skeptics out of everyone. Blogs of this and many other natures will now come under heavy scrutiny. Petitions for worthy causes will have less support. How sad.
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