staying engaged

It is now eight weeks since Roxana Saberi was taken by Iranian authorities and placed in solitary confinement in the notorious Evin prison. Initially held on trumped up charges relating to a purchase of wine she is said to have made (alcohol is illegal in countries that operate under Muslim law), she is now accused by authorities of working as a journalist without appropriate accreditation, a crime in Iran.

Besides the just plain crazy nature of a law like this to those of us from the west, locking an honest, demure, kind, and disciplined person like Roxana away without even the pretense of due process under Iranian law is a violation of international standards and practice.

She was due a charge on the matter for which she was arrested. She was due contact with counsel or outside parties. She was due fair treatment and not uncivil conduct. And she was due to be released weeks ago, according to Iranian justice officials.

In recent years, several American women with Iranian ancestry have been treated similarly by Iran's government. Some have been released and returned to the United States, like Haleh Esfandiari. Others, like Cal State Northridge graduate student Esha Momemi have been released from Evin, but are not being allowed to leave the country until their family pays the equivalent of blood money for her freedom.

In recent days, following a stressful phone call Roxana was able to make to her parents, threatening a hunger strike if she is not released, several American legislators have been able to communicate with Iranian officers. The words they are hearing are soothing, but they are words that were heard a month ago, from the Iranian justice ministry.

Perhaps the knowledge that Americans are aware of this situation, and the dialogue that has begun thanks to several current and former Members of Congress, may cause the Iranian authorities to turn from their wrongheaded and despicable treatment of Roxana, and allow her release.

Let's give a moment to hope for justice and reason from a place that does not seem to share a common understanding of these values.