A Boston-based American reportedly sent a check for $2,000 (about ¥220,000) with a letter to the embassy protesting the government's decision asking the trio to reimburse expenses incurred for flying them out of Baghdad.

An embassy spokeswoman said the check was returned because it was against government policy.

She said the three -- an anti-war activist, an aid worker and a journalist -- had been asked by the government to pay about ¥40,000 ($360) each for the airfare from Baghdad to Dubai.

She dismissed news reports that they were ordered to pay ¥2.37 million.

The three underwent medical checks in Dubai before returning April 18 to Japan.

The Japan Times Weekly: May 15, 2004
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