One lawmaker on Thursday said it’s “enraging” that the female sailor detained by Iran this week had to wear a hijab while spending the night in Iranian custody.
“Enraging. No reason ever why US servicewoman should be forced to wear hijab. Admin’s response has been embarrassing,” Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., and a veteran herself, tweeted.
Enraging. No reason ever why US servicewoman should be forced to wear hijab. Admin’s response has been embarrassing. pic.twitter.com/PW4lTWQT5y
— Martha McSally (@RepMcSally) January 14, 2016
Ten U.S. sailors — nine men and one woman — were detained by Iran on Tuesday after their boat accidentally strayed into Iranian waters in the Persian Gulf. Iran kept them overnight and released them Wednesday morning.
After releasing the sailors, Iran also posted videos of one of the sailors apologizing for their mistake and all of them kneeling with their hands behind their heads when their boats were commandeered.
Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Thursday that the riverine boats accidentally sailed into Iranian territory due to a “navigational error” and that more information would be available following a full debrief.
