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Journo May Seek Ayatollah Pardon

Appeal to top cleric may be Saberi's only chance of freedom

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted May 1, 2009 2:01 AM CDT

(Newser) – An Iranian-American journalist Iran sentenced to eight years in prison for alleged spying may seek a pardon from the country's supreme leader, CNN reports. Roxana Saberi's case is moving through the appeals process, which could lift—or lengthen—her sentence. Iranian officials stressed that only Ayatollah Khamenie has the power to pardon convicted offenders. "We will do whatever is necessary to free our daughter," said Saberi's father.

 

Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves to the crowd as he arrives to deliver a speech in a ceremony marking the anniversary of Ayatollah Khomeini's death.
Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves to the crowd as he arrives to deliver a speech in a ceremony marking the anniversary of Ayatollah Khomeini's death.   (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Imprisoned Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi.
Imprisoned Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi.   (AP Photo/Saberi Family)
Members of Reporters Without Borders hold placards with the picture of American journalist Roxana Saberi outside the Iran Air office in Paris earlier this week.
Members of Reporters Without Borders hold placards with the picture of American journalist Roxana Saberi outside the Iran Air office in Paris earlier this week.   (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
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