News Releases

RTNDA Denounces the Iranian Conviction and Sentencing of American Journalist Roxana Saberi

RTNDA joins journalists across the nation in condemning the conviction and sentencing of Roxana Saberi for espionage, and calls on the Iranian government to release Roxana and allow her to leave Iran immediately.    There was no evidence of espionage made public, and her one day trial was conducted in secret.  “The sentence of 8 years in prison for espionage is particularly disturbing,” said RTNDA President Barbara Cochran.  “The freedom for journalists to work and report cannot simply be limited by decree, or be reduced by pressure or prison.”

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 that allowed her to become an international correspondent, something she has done for a myriad of U.S. and overseas news organizations since she first moved to Tehran in 2003.

The attention drawn to this matter has been significant.  U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has said the United States was working with Swiss diplomats to obtain details about the court's decision and to ensure Ms. Saberi's well-being.  Secretary Clinton said in a statement the United States will "vigorously raise our concerns" with the Iranian government.  The United States has called the charges against Saberi baseless, and the State Department said Thursday that Iran would gain U.S. good will if it "responded in a positive way" to the case.  Today, President Obama said he was “deeply disappointed” by the conviction, a White House spokesman said.

We continue to support the diplomacy that began when we all first learned of this situation seven weeks past, and urge all diplomats and engaged parties to resolve this difficult and painful situation, and provide Ms. Saberi with the freedom that she so much deserves.

Roxana Saberi's family has been in Tehran to offer her support, and we ask that her family continue to be provided access and direct communication with Ms. Saberi.