Finally the Iranian government decided to release Iranian-American journalist, Roxana Saberi, from its jail. Ms. Saberi, has been living in Iran from the past few years and reporting from there for National Public Radio (NPR), BBC, Reuter, and other international new organizations. Earlier this year she was arrested for buying alcoholic beverages and then charged with espionage for the US.
The charges were obviously bogus, as this is the standard charges for all reporters who are arrested in dictatorial regimes. Ms. Saberi was tried in a Kangaroo court over a one day period away from the public and without any opportunity to have her case prepared or present any credible witnesses or evidence. She was found guilty of espionage and sentenced to 8 years in jail.
Her parents, flew to Iran from North Carolina to be with their daughter and try to seek her freedom. Fortunately for Ms. Saberi, her case took an international twist and received the White House and the State Departments attention and efforts in seeking release for Ms. Saberi.
Shortly after her conviction, President Ahmadi-Nejad instructed the Department of Justice to afford all rights to Ms. Saberi for her appeal and to ensure justice is served. Luckily today, it was announced that Ms. Saberi has won her appeal and her case is dismissed. She was released from jail and taken away by her father. Ms. Saberi will be travelling to her home in North Carolina within the next couple of days or so.
Unfortunately, it is not the same for over 150 other news reporters remaining in jails throughout the world in countries run by fanatics or dictators. The world need to do what was done for Ms. Saberi. The bogus charges of espionage need to be dismissed and have all these jailed reporters freed immediately.
Congratulations to Ms. Saberi for her release and looking forward to hearing the freedom for all other reporters.
