18 Apr 2009

Iran jails US reporter for eight years

An Iranian revolutionary court has sentenced US journalist Roxana Saberi to eight years in jail after she was charged with spying for the United States, her lawyer said on Saturday. "Ms Saberi has been sentenced to eight years in jail and I am going to appeal," lawyer Abdolsamad Khoramshahi told AFP. Under Iranian law, the verdict can be appealed within 20 days.

EvinB&W by markcist.

The case against Saberi, a 31-year-old who has US and Iranian nationality, has raised concerns in Washington and among rights groups. She has been detained in the notorious Evin prison in Tehran since January and went on trial behind closed doors on Monday accused of spying for the United States.

She was initially reported to have been detained for buying alcohol, an illegal act in the Islamic republic.

AFP - Free Roxana Saberi: freeroxana.net