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Statement From NPR CEO Vivian Schiller Statement From NPR CEO Vivian Schiller

Statement From NPR CEO Vivian Schiller

Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi was sentenced to eight years in prison for espionage by Iran's Revolutionary Court Saturday morning. Saberi has previously reported for NPR, and on the announcement of the sentence, NPR President and CEO Vivian Schiller made this statement.

We are deeply distressed by this harsh and unwarranted sentence. Ms. Saberi has already endured a three-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 United States immediately with her parents.

--Vivian Schiller, President and CEO of NPR