Egyptian Anchorwoman Under Fire For Shalit InterviewYNET
Responding to harsh criticism of what was described by many media outlets as a "cruel" interview, Amin said she asked to conduct the interview, and was simply told it would be arranged. However, it was not confirmed until the last moment, she said, adding she did not realize it was a forced interview.
Officials in Israel said Tuesday evening they were surprised by the Egyptian interview and were unaware of Cairo's plans. Defense officials stressed that the TV interview was not undertaken with Israel's consent, coordination or knowledge. However, Amin's crude interview with Shalit Tuesday morning featured heavy pro-Egyptian and pro-Palestinian propaganda. Through the interview, the anchorwoman attempted to prompt Shalit to praise Egypt for its role in arranging the prisoner exchange.
At one point she also asked the Israeli soldier whether he would be joining a campaign to free Arab prisoners held by Israel upon his return to the Jewish State. During Tuesday's interview, which was aired by Egypt's national television station, it appeared that Amin was virtually abusing Shalit, moments after he was brought to Egypt from Gaza.
Shalit was having trouble breathing during the interview and looked exhausted and confused, yet Amin kept on presenting him with questions, many of them absurd and ridiculous. Responding to the anchorwoman's question regarding remaining Palestinian prisoners, Shalit said he would be happy to see them released, as long as they no longer attack Israel.
I'm glad to read this. I thought he looked so awful and his eyes were so vacant that I was sure something must be wrong. In any case, I think most people watching, just knowing it was done directly after he was brought to Egypt, understand that he isn't responsible for anything he said. It's kind of amazing that he was able to be coherent at all.
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