Iranian President Ahmadinejad Calls for "Full Defense" of American
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The arrest and conviction of American reporter Roxana Saberi on charges of spying has lessened the likelihood that friendly talks between the United States and Iran can continue. On Sunday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attempted to maintain rapport. After Saberi's sentencing, the White House called the decision "deeply disappointing" and said Iran would gain U.S. good will if it "responded in a positive way" to the case. Ahmadinejad said she should be allowed a full defense of her appeal, and instructed prosecutors to "observe and apply justice."
According to the Associated Press and Iranian news agency IRNA, Ahmadinejad requested chief Tehran prosecutor Saeed Mortazavi to personally ensure that "suspects be given all their right to defend themselves" against the charges. Saberi's is the first case in which Iran has found an American journalist guilty of espionage.
The story has gained international attention, and Chinaview.cn reported that Iranian law allows an appeal to made within 20 days of a verdict. Saberi's lawyer has stated he will seek this course of action.
Saberi was originally arrested on charges of working without press credentials. Iran has not released details of the case, and no evidence has been made public. Saberi's father told reporters that his daughter was arrested while buying a bottle of wine, and was tricked into making incriminating statements by being offered release. Her closed-door trial lasted only 15 minutes, ending without an opportunity for Saberi to make a defense.
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