Jackson Hopes to Win Journo's Release

Make sure Saberi can defend herself, Iran prez tells prosecutor

(NEWSER) - In connection with the case of jailed Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has written to Tehran's prosecutor to urge him to "make sure that the accused people will enjoy all freedoms and legal rights to defend themselves." Saberi's lawyer, who plans to appeal her 8-year sentence, approved of the president's message, Reuters reports. Saberi, 31, a freelance reporter, is accused of spying for the US. More»

Father says she battled 'psychological pressure' in prison

(NEWSER) - Journalist Roxana Saberi says she’s “very happy” to be free and reunited with her parents and today thanked those who helped win her freedom from an Iranian prison, the AP reports. One of her lawyers said her conviction was partially because she had visited Israel, illegal for Iranian citizens, and because she had a copy of a confidential Iranian government document about the Iraq war. More»

Jailed US journalist has prison term cut to two years suspended

(NEWSER) - Roxana Saberi, the Iranian-American reporter jailed in Tehran for the last 5 months, has been freed and reunited with her parents, the AP reports. An appeals court yesterday cut her sentence to a 2-year suspended term, down from the 8 years she was given for spying for the US. The case sparked international concern, and Saberi undertook a two-week hunger strike to protest her conviction. More»

(NEWSER) - Roxana Saberi’s appeal hearing will take place tomorrow, Reuters reports. The lawyer for the jailed American-Iranian journalist said it’s unclear when his client will find out if her 8-year sentence for espionage has been dropped or reduced. "The verdict could come next week or any other time,” he said. US officials have called the charges against Saberi baseless and demanded her immediate release. More»

Iranian officials continue to deny that Saberi is on hunger strike

(NEWSER) - Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi will get her chance to overturn or lighten an 8-year prison sentence for spying early next week, when an Iranian court will hear her appeal, Reuters reports. Saberi’s father said the 32-year-old is “very weak,” having been on hunger strike for two weeks. Iranian officials deny that Saberi has refused food. More»