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Human Rights Activists to work on Roxana Saberi Case

by Blue Crush | April 22, 2009 at 07:33 am

282 views | 73 Recommendations | 5 comments

Iranian human-rights activist and lawyer Shirin Ebadi has now joined Roxana Saberi's legal team, at the request of her family. Ebadi is the the founder of Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran.

Shirin Ebadi, who won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2003, took up the case of Roxana Saberi at the request of Saberi's family, her father, Reza Saberi, told CNN Wednesday.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, American civil rights activist who was interviewed by Saberi in the past, is currently in Malaysia and has also offered to assist in the plea for her release. He is working on getting his visa in order.

“We’d like to meet with the appropriate religious and political leaders there,” Jackson said, adding he recently talked to the woman’s family.

On a separate note, Roxana Saberi's boyfriend Bahman Ghobadi, an award-winning Iranian film director, has come forward for the first time, with a plea of his own in an open letter to Iranian officials.

Speaking out publicly for the first time, Mr Ghobadi pleaded with the Iranian authorities to release Ms Saberi. "I beg you to let her go! I beg you not to throw her in the midst of your political games! She is too weak and too pure to take part in your games," he wrote.

Roxana Saberi has been held since late January, when she was originally held for buying wine. She then faced a more serious charge of working without a press card, which they had revoked in 2006, and was more recently accused and convicted of spying for the US.

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harringtola

at 07:52 on April 22nd, 2009

I hope this case stays in the news and the hearts and minds of the world. The action was such a miscarriage of justice.

Paschen

at 08:17 on April 22nd, 2009

I do feel sorry for her and wish she will be relised as well, however she did break a couple of laws and she is dual citizen, there for bound by Iranian Laws, would she not have Iranian citizenship this would be another matter and even then she has to obey Iranian laws. The spying charges may be a over the top, however the other charges are not.

In Japan you cannot drive on the right site of the road with out getting charged even though this is allowed in the US where one gets charged for driving on the left side of the road.

When in Rome do as the Romans. Failing to do so is inviting trouble. Yes, the penalties are way to harsh, however she knew that and still bought wine and still operated with out legal working permits and a few other things she did. She did invite trouble and was bound to find it.

She is young, and hopefully will get off with a slap. But she is not a total victim either. She could have avoided this.

tikun

at 08:38 on April 22nd, 2009

This action taken by an oppressive regime is using this woman in order to flex their muscle against the US. She is the victim. No amount of apologizing for these haters of freedom do justice to anybody.

Pythiian1

at 14:20 on April 22nd, 2009

Thanks, Blue Crush, for your diligent follow-up.

I agree with some aspects of Paschen's comments in that as a dual citizen, Ms. Saberi ought to have been a bit more observant of Iranian state law insofar as being an Iranian, so to speak. Having said that, she is fortunate to have such international and Iranian attention, which would temper the authority's decision to hold her for the duration of her sentence.

albertacowpoke

at 15:33 on April 22nd, 2009

Paschen I have to disagree with you my friend. She is being used as a pawn for the present games going on between the US Administration and Iran. It is shameful that she should be in the midst of it. The minor infraction she committed would be handled with a fine or a caution by a civilized court system. This is, once again, a way for Iran to snub the West, because they can.

albertacowpoke

at 18:11 on April 22nd, 2009

Uwe, granted that drug laws in the US are off the wall. Posession is not even prosecuted in Canada. I take your point on the Iranian laws. Here is my concern though. We had a female journalist imprisoned in Iran for taking pictures. Possibly that.s agains the law there too. The problem is that she got killed in prison. Maybe that is why I have the concern for her now.

albertacowpoke

at 18:35 on April 22nd, 2009

Yes understood. Even in the Canadian military we were always told that we were subject to the laws of the host country. In some instances agreements could be reached to have soliders tried by Canadians. You can rest assured though that the host country watched the outcome of the trial. Thanks for you comments Uwe and insight. My concern is foremost her treatment inside that prison.