American journalist Roxana Saberi has been released from Evin prison in Tehran.
New details have emerged about why she was arrested in the first place under suspicion of being a spy.
Her lawyer, Saleh Nikbakht, said the arrest was in part because she had in her possession a confidential Iranian government document about the US war in Iraq.
She obtained the document while working as a freelance translator for the Expediency Council, a powerful body connected to Iran's ruling clerics. Part of the role of the body is to mediate between the legislature, the presidency and ruling clerics in the course of constitutional disputes.
During Sunday's appeal session, Saberi admitted being in possession of the document which she said she copied out of "curiosity," but said she didn't share with American officials.
Ms Saberi, if a little thinner after her hunger strike, seems in good spirits.
She moved to Iran six years ago and has worked as a freelance journalist for a number of organizations including NPR and BBC.
Saberi's release is being credited in some Iranian circles to the intervention of Iranian president Ahmadinejad. He wrote to the country's judiciary chiefs, saying that she should be given full rights of defence and appeal.
The leniency accorded Saberi hasn't pleased everyone. Some Iranian websites have complained about the decision.
New details have emerged about why she was arrested in the first place under suspicion of being a spy.
Her lawyer, Saleh Nikbakht, said the arrest was in part because she had in her possession a confidential Iranian government document about the US war in Iraq.
She obtained the document while working as a freelance translator for the Expediency Council, a powerful body connected to Iran's ruling clerics. Part of the role of the body is to mediate between the legislature, the presidency and ruling clerics in the course of constitutional disputes.
During Sunday's appeal session, Saberi admitted being in possession of the document which she said she copied out of "curiosity," but said she didn't share with American officials.
Another reason given by her lawyer for the arrest, was a trip made by Saberi to Israel in 2006. Iranian citizens are banned from visiting Israel.
Saberi apologized for her actions and the court reduced the charges against her from espionage to possessing confidential documents.
Saberi's parents were delighted by her release. Her father, Reza Saberi, said Roxana "was not tortured at all" while in custody. Speaking outside Evin prison he said "She is in very good condition. We are very happy that they gave us such a break."
Reza and Akiko Saberi waiting outside
Evin prison, Tehran, for Roxana's release
Evin prison, Tehran, for Roxana's release
Ms Saberi, if a little thinner after her hunger strike, seems in good spirits.
She moved to Iran six years ago and has worked as a freelance journalist for a number of organizations including NPR and BBC.
Saberi's release is being credited in some Iranian circles to the intervention of Iranian president Ahmadinejad. He wrote to the country's judiciary chiefs, saying that she should be given full rights of defence and appeal.
The leniency accorded Saberi hasn't pleased everyone. Some Iranian websites have complained about the decision.
The conservative website Tabnak said: "How come, after a few angry remarks from Obama and Hillary Clinton – expressed after their diplomatic smiles – Roxana Saberi turned from being a spy to a free citizen, while Iranian diplomats are still held in Iraq?"
Tehran-based journalist Iraj Jamshidi sees the decision as a possible sign of a new opening. He said: "The [fact that the] appeals court took place very quickly and issued its verdict within 24 hours could be interpreted as an indication of the Islamic republic's interest to open serious negotiations with the United States..."
The move by Ahmadinejad comes before an election. With many voters hoping for improved relations with the US, his intervention may be seen as a goodwill gesture at a crucial juncture in US/Iran relations.
New York Times article here.
Guardian article here.
AP article here.
Tehran-based journalist Iraj Jamshidi sees the decision as a possible sign of a new opening. He said: "The [fact that the] appeals court took place very quickly and issued its verdict within 24 hours could be interpreted as an indication of the Islamic republic's interest to open serious negotiations with the United States..."
The move by Ahmadinejad comes before an election. With many voters hoping for improved relations with the US, his intervention may be seen as a goodwill gesture at a crucial juncture in US/Iran relations.
New York Times article here.
Guardian article here.
AP article here.
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