[droithomme]

> don't want to play along

As a detainee/possible hostage, he's in the category of a guest who is not free to leave, and not a prisoner who has been convicted of a crime.

It's very important in Persian culture to treat guests well, better than your own family members if possible.

What he describes, being put in a decent hotel, having his expenses covered, and being free to explore the city in a sort of mandatory extended vacation, is characteristic of Persian culture. I'm pretty sure he is aware of the protocol and thus was never too concerned for himself.

[duxup]

I don't think the start of it fits that description, let alone the danger hovering over it all considering the outcomes of other folks who were detained.