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Journalist goes on trial in Iran | Journalist goes on trial in Iran |
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An Iranian-American journalist accused of spying in Iran went on trial this week and a verdict is expected soon, an Iranian official has said. | An Iranian-American journalist accused of spying in Iran went on trial this week and a verdict is expected soon, an Iranian official has said. |
"The first trial meeting on Roxana Saberi was held yesterday [Monday]," judiciary spokesman Ali Jamshidi told a news conference in Tehran. | "The first trial meeting on Roxana Saberi was held yesterday [Monday]," judiciary spokesman Ali Jamshidi told a news conference in Tehran. |
"I think the verdict will be announced soon, perhaps in the next two or three weeks," the official added. | "I think the verdict will be announced soon, perhaps in the next two or three weeks," the official added. |
Ms Saberi, 31, is being held in Evin prison near Tehran. | Ms Saberi, 31, is being held in Evin prison near Tehran. |
The journalist, 31, worked briefly for the BBC three years ago. She has also worked for the American public radio network NPR and the TV network Fox News. | The journalist, 31, worked briefly for the BBC three years ago. She has also worked for the American public radio network NPR and the TV network Fox News. |
Ms Saberi worked for the BBC for several months in 2006 | |
She has been in custody in Tehran since late January. | |
Ms Saberi originally faced the less serious accusations of buying alcohol, then working as a journalist without a valid press card, but last week Iranian prosecutors accused her of spying for the US. | |
A US-Iranian national, Ms Saberi has spent six years in Iran studying and writing a book. | |
Her parents arrived in Tehran earlier this month and were allowed to see her for 20 minutes. According to the lawyer, they found her in good health and good spirits. | |
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has demanded her immediate release. |