by Davar Iran Ardalan

This morning, the father of jailed Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi told NPR that Iran's Revolutionary Court has sentenced his daughter to 8 years in prison for espionage. Ms. Saberi's lawyer was not allowed to ask the court about bail. Roxana Saberi has reported from Iran for NPR, the BBC, and other news organizations. She has been jailed at Evin Prison in Iran since January 31st. NPR's CEO, Vivian Schiller put out this statement:

"We are deeply distressed by this harsh and unwarranted sentence. Ms. Saberi has already endured a four month confinement in Evin Prison, and we are very concerned for her well-being. Through her work for NPR over several years, we know her as an established and respected professional journalist. We appeal to all of those who share our concerns to ask that the Iranian authorities show compassion and allow her to return home to the Untied States immediately with her parents."