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US Journo 'Very Weak' in Iranian Jail: Father

As parents visit, Saberi vows to stretch hunger strike into second week

By the Associated Press

Posted Apr 27, 2009 12:44 PM CDT
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(AP) – An American journalist jailed in Iran for allegedly spying for the US is vowing to remain on a hunger strike until she is freed even though she is "very weak," her father said today. Roxana Saberi has been on a hunger strike for a week, following her conviction in a one-day, closed-door trial. She was sentenced to eight years in prison. Her parents said they visited Roxana in Evin prison yesterday for her 32nd birthday.

"Roxana is very weak and pale. She has been on a hunger strike for a week now," her father said. "She is only drinking sweetened water to remain alive." He said he tried to persuade his daughter to end her hunger strike but she refused. "She vowed to remain on hunger strike until she is freed," he said. The US has called the accusations against Saberi, a dual Iranian-American citizen, baseless, and demanded her release.

Akiko Saberi, the Japanese mother of imprisoned Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, talks as she prepares her 64th birthday cake at her home in Tehran, Iran, April 25, 2009.
Akiko Saberi, the Japanese mother of imprisoned Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, talks as she prepares her 64th birthday cake at her home in Tehran, Iran, April 25, 2009.   (AP Photo)
This undated photo released by the family of imprisoned Iranian-American shows journalist Roxana Saberi in Tehran, Iran.
This undated photo released by the family of imprisoned Iranian-American shows journalist Roxana Saberi in Tehran, Iran.   (AP Photo/Saberi Family)
Reza Saberi, the Iranian father of imprisoned Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, talks on the phone in Tehran, Iran, April 25, 2009.
Reza Saberi, the Iranian father of imprisoned Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, talks on the phone in Tehran, Iran, April 25, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Students at Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism in Evanston, IL., attend a rally in support of alumna Roxana Saberi on Thursday, April 23, 2009.
Students at Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism in Evanston, IL., attend a rally in support of alumna Roxana Saberi on Thursday, April 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jim Prisching)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Mad
Apr 27, 2009 7:04 AM CDT
Salt, too. If she is really going without nutrition, make sure she consumes about a teaspoon of salt everyday; she'll be able to extend her fast safer

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Iran • journalist • hunger strike • Roxana Saberi • Reza Saberi

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