Reply #8: Fake motorcade tweaks Aussie security for Bush ("Osama" waved through two checkpoints) [View All]

[Barrett808]

Source: Associated Press

SYDNEY, Australia — Members of an Australian TV comedy show, one dressed as Osama bin Laden, drove through two security checkpoints today before being stopped near the Sydney hotel where President Bush is staying.

The stunt embarrassed Sydney police who have imposed the tightest security measures in city history for a summit of leaders from Pacific Rim countries, including Bush.

Police arrested 11 cast and crew from the TV program, "The Chaser's War on Everything," and impounded three vehicles, the Australian Broadcasting Corp., which airs the show, said on its Web site.

Cast members put together a sham motorcade, hiring two motorcycles and three large cars on which they put Canadian flags. Police waved the motorcade through two checkpoints before pulling it over near the Intercontinental Hotel where Bush is staying.

Cast member Chas Licciardello got out of the car dressed in a white tunic and cap and wearing a long fake Osama bin Laden-style beard.

Read more: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003871578_webfakemotorcade06.html