Iran used British woman as ‘propaganda tool’

AFP: Iran used the only woman among 15 captured British naval personnel as a “propaganda tool”, keeping her isolated and telling her she was the only one being held, the group said Friday. ROYAL MARINE BASE CHIVENOR, England, April 6, 2007 (AFP) – Iran used the only woman among 15 captured British naval personnel as a “propaganda tool”, keeping her isolated and telling her she was the only one being held, the group said Friday.

In a joint statement read at a news conference, her colleagues said they were “incredibly proud” of Leading Seaman Faye Turney, 26, and the “highly professional” way she conducted herself throughout their 13-day detention.

“The fact that she’s a woman has been used as a propaganda tool by Iran. This is deeply regrettable,” they said.

In a question and answer session afterwards, they said the mother-of-one had been separated and isolated soon after their detention near the Shatt al-Arab waterway dividing Iraq and Iran on March 23.

“She was told shortly afterwards that we had all been released. She was under the impression for about four days that she was the only one there,” Royal Marine Captain Chris Air said.

“She was subject to quite a lot of stress that we don’t know about. She coped admirably, retaining a lot of dignity.”

Turney, who is married to a Royal Navy petty officer, was not present at the press conference.