US journalist freed in Iran

An American journalist imprisoned for spying in Iran has walked free after her sentence was reduced on appeal.

Roxana Saberi, who holds joint American and Iranian citizenship, was jailed for eight years last month after being arrested when her press credentials had expired.

But the 32 year-old is now free to leave.

“Her sentence was cut down to two years, with five years suspension: so after five years, if there is nothing happened, those two years will be forgiven.” says her father.

Saberi has in the past worked for the BBC and US National Public Radio.

Her imprisonment became a new source of tension between Iran and the United States at a time when the Obama administration was hinting at improving relations with Tehran, despite the Iranians’ pursuit of nuclear technology.

An Iranian official said Saberi will be banned from working in Iran for five years.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Iran, Justice, USA