News Releases

RTNDA Calls for Release of U.S. Journalist Held in Iran

For Immediate Release:  Monday, March 9, 2009

RTNDA has been monitoring the situation of American journalist Roxana Saberi, who is being imprisoned in Iran on the grounds of working without a visa.

In the days since her family went public with the news of her detention, thousands of citizens from across the world have signed petitions, contacted officials, and sought the release of Ms. Saberi.

In 2002 Ms. Saberi participated in an international journalist fellowship sponsored by RTNDF. Through this fellowship, Ms. Saberi developed the strengths and skills requisite to become an international correspondent, something she has done for a myriad of news organizations since she first moved to Tehran in 2003.

RTNDA joins journalists across the nation in calling for the immediate release of Ms. Saberi.  The freedom for journalists to work and report cannot simply be limited by decree, or be reduced by pressure or even prison.

The attention drawn to this matter has been significant, and has led Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to call on Iran to release Ms. Saberi. We would hope that diplomats can help to resolve this difficult and painful situation, and provide Ms. Saberi with the freedom that she so much deserves.