Clinton 'deeply disappointed' in Iran sentencing

Clinton 'deeply disappointed' in Iran sentencing
U.S. journalist receives 8-year prison term for spying in closed-door trial



Associated Press
updated 1 hour, 23 minutes ago

TEHRAN, Iran - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton criticized Iran on Saturday for sentencing an American journalist to eight years in prison for spying.

"I am deeply disappointed by the reported sentencing of Roxana Saberi by the Iranian judiciary," said Clinton in a statement released by the State Department. "We will continue to vigorously raise our concerns to the Iranian government."

A lawyer for Saberi said the 31-year-old dual American-Iranian citizen was convicted of spying after a brief, closed-door trial.

Clinton said in a statement the United States is working with Swiss diplomats in Iran to get details about the court's decision and to ensure Saberi's well-being. Clinton said Saberi was in Iran to learn more about her cultural heritage.

Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., from Saberi's home state, called the sentencing "a shocking miscarriage of justice."