The handful of American citizens who traveled to Iraq earlier this year to serve as "human shields" against the war now face action by the U.S. Treasury Department, according to Reuters. Five Americans were among the 300 or so peace activists who went to Iraq before the war to protest the impending U.S. invasion. Reuters quoted a Treasury Department spokesperson as saying that while "the freedom to protest and disagree with the government is the cornerstone of American democracy," protestors still could not break U.S. law and flout international sanctions with impunity. The American protesters could face up to 12 years in prison, although the Treasury Department is attempting to reach settlements that involve only fines.

While the five protestors may spend time in jail for traveling to Iraq a few months ago, all such travel restrictions were lifted in July and it is now legal for private citizens of the United States to travel to Iraq, according to USA Today. Some travel restrictions remain in place for U.S. passport holders traveling to Libya, Cuban, Iran, and North Korea.