The head of Iran’s judiciary Monday ordered a “careful and speedy appeal process” for an Iranian-American journalist who was convicted of spying, Iran’s state-run news agency reported.
Journalist Roxana Saberi, shown working in Iran in 2004, is accused of spying in the country. Roxana Saberi, 31, was sentenced Saturday to eight years in prison after a one-day trial that was closed to the public. The decision prompted sharp denunciations from President Obama, as well as other U.S. and international officials. Saberi’s lawyer has said he would appeal Saturday’s verdict. Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi’s order calls on the head of Tehran’s Justice Department, Alireza Avayee, to make sure the appeals process is quick and fair.
