This story-- about how Roxana Saberi, a 31-year-old Iranian-American journalist from North Dakota, jailed in Iran has been convicted of spying and sentenced to eight years in prison just days after she was tried behind closed doors -- is all over the news websites this morning.
I hadn't yet seen any op-ed columns move about the case before, but I bet when I get back to work on Monday, several will have moved over the weekend.
Here's some more info from the article:
The Fargo, North Dakota native had been living in Iran for six years and had worked as a freelance reporter for several news organizations including National Public Radio and the British Broadcasting Corp.The United States has called the charges against Saberi baseless and has demanded her release, and the conviction and prison sentence could put strains on efforts to improve ties.
Human rights groups have repeatedly criticized Iran for arresting journalists and suppressing freedom of speech.
Journalist watchdog groups criticized the conviction. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said in a statement on Saturday that her trial "lacked transparency."
Great job on her lips. This freelance American journalist is not spying for the US government. Looking for a very rich husband is more like it. Debes tener en cuenta las contingencias en tu presupuesto. The very attractive woman did not allow for the contingency of becoming an anti-American propaganda item. Freelance journalists especially without proper credentials are much safer in North Dakota USA.
The last time I heard a report by her from Iran Ms. Saberi was in a car with a bunch of teenie boppers who were hell bent on getting arrested for a second time by violating dress codes. Now that she has a new base to write from maybe those kids will live longer.
One would think that with all the important issues in the middle east that NPR would have encouraged a more meaningful news angle instead of what they were settling for.
This person is not very interesting. People have a tough time saving themselves not to mention saving something or someone else.