DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The former U.S. Air Force intelligence analyst, her brown hair now hidden underneath a mandatory hijab, stood before an Iranian ayatollah as a television camera filmed behind her. Years before the charges became public, however, Witt’s own journey into Iran became the subject of television segments and news articles. The image Iran offered of Witt changed over time, a function of the funhouse-mirror coverage prevalent among Iran’s state-run broadcasters and news agencies linked to its intelligence services. “I understand how the Western media are trying to show an unrealistic image of Iran and Islam after seeing the clear realities of Iran and Islam by myself,” she was quoted as saying. Since disappearing after defecting to Iran, Witt allegedly has received free housing and computer equipment from Iran.

Source: National Post February 14, 2019 13:18 UTC