Iran’s Ahmadinejad asks for fair appeal for Roxana

In what some Iranians deem an unusual move, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wrote a letter to the prosecutor in Tehran asking for a fair appeal for Roxana Saberi.

Below is an excerpt from Ahmadinejad's letter, as reported by Iranian government news agency, IRNA:

"Please take the necessary measures to ensure that the process of examining the charges against the aforementioned individuals are being carried out carefully and fairness, justice and regulations are observed...Please, personally observe the process to ensure that the defendants are allowed all legal rights and freedom in defending themselves and that their rights are not violated even by one iota."

However, President Ahmadinejad also told the news agency that Iran must protect its security and independence from outside threats. Perhaps, a reaction to U.S. officials calling the charges against Roxana Saberi "baseless."

Middle East regional expert, Mustafa Alani, told Bloomberg, “Iran is sending a clear message that Iranian security is a priority which will not be compromised." Alani also told Bloomberg that the Iranian government may have jailed Roxana Saberi as a show of strength. And, perhaps, as a magnanimous gesture officials will later reverse the decision.

In the meantime, despite letters, statements, interviews and outcries...Roxana remains in jail. In an interview with the BBC, Roxana's mother, Akito Saberi, said she is most concerned about her daughter's health.

Roxana has shown unbelievable courage in her quest to cover stories in Iran. She should be honored, as should all journalists who take risks to find the truth.

PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT. CLICK ON THIS LINK AND WRITE A MESSAGE TO ROXANA SABERI.