American journalist in Iran freed from prison
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
On Monday, Iran released Roxana Saberi, an American journalist with Iranian and Japanese parentage, from prison. Saberi was arrested in April and accused of spying.
"[Saberi will be] released today," said one of Saberi's defense attorneys, Abdolsamad Khorramshahi. He added that after being released, Saberi "is entitled to leave Iran immediately." She is, however, forbidden from practicing journalism for at least five years in Iran.
Her freedom comes after an Iranian court met in a private session for five hours then ruled that her eight year prison sentence was suspended. She was convicted on April 18 and her trial lasted only one day.
Saberi was originally arrested in April and sentenced to eight years after being charged with purchasing alcoholic beverages and reporting without the proper media credentials. During her trial, Iranian officials accused her of spying and sending information to U.S. intelligence agencies overseas. At the time, according to Iran's national media, Saberi admitted to spying.
Related news
- "Jailed American journalist in Iran sentenced to eight years in prison" — Wikinews, April 18, 2009
Sources
- "US reporter freed from Iran jail" — Courier Mail, May 11, 2009
- "Reporter Saberi leaves Iran jail" — BBC News, May 11, 2009
- Borzou Daragahi and Ramin Mostaghim. "U.S. journalist free to leave Iran" — Los Angeles Times, May 11, 2009
- "Iran to free U.S. journalist, father says" — CNN, May 11, 2009
- "Iran to Free Jailed American Journalist" — Wall Street Journal, May 11, 2009