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Tehran Judge Echoes Call for 'Fair' Saberi Trial
Iran minister chides Obama for not knowing details of closed trial
By Katherine Thompson
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Posted Apr 20, 09 8:35 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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The head of Iran’s judiciary issued a statement today requesting that Roxana Saberi’s appeal “should be fairly, accurately, and quickly considered.” It’s not clear whether Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahrudi means Saberi’s appeal will be successful, or if he merely wants to stress to international observers that Iran is dealing fairly with the American reporter accused of spying, the BBC reports.
An expression of concern from President Obama prompted Iran’s foreign ministry to complain that “one should respect the rulings issued by the court” and not speak without knowing the details—though since the 1-day trial was closed, few know the details of the charges or verdict. Meanwhile, the AP reports, Rev. Jesse Jackson volunteered to lead a delegation to appeal for the release of Saberi, 31.