Saberi Freed by Iran, United With Parents

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»

Appeals court to issue verdict in next few days

(NEWSER) - The lawyer for jailed American-Iranian journalist Roxana Saberi is confident his client’s 8-year sentence will be “substantially” reduced, Reuters reports. An Iranian appeals court is expected to issue its verdict soon after today’s closed-door hearing. Saberi was convicted of spying for the United States, an accusation Reporters Without Borders says is intended to intimidate journalists before this summer’s elections. "I'm hopeful and optimistic that there will be fundamental changes in the sentence," Saberi’s lawyer says. 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»

Ebadi urges bail release for journalist Roxana Saberi

(NEWSER) - Shirin Ebadi, the dissident Iranian human rights lawyer who won the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize, will defend the Iranian-American journalist sentenced this weekend to 8 years in prison, reports the Washington Post. Ebadi is seeking to secure a bail release for Roxana Saberi, who was convicted of spying for the United States after initially being accused of other offenses. More»

Iran minister chides Obama for not knowing details of closed trial

(NEWSER) - 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. More»