Is Saberi being used as a scapegoat to hamper Iran-US peace?

Everyone, I hope has heard of Roxana Saberi, a US born, Iranian journalist who was charged with Espionage in Iran and has been sentenced to eight-years in prison on Saturday. Read NPR's weekend edition report here http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103246067. The verdict of the Iranian revoluntionary court is clearly not based upon evidence, but false accusations that are intended to hamper the new hope of peace between the United States and Iran's leadership. As a journalist and human rights activist I have a special interest in this case, that is clearly a big blow to the human rights movement. I am an aspiring foreign correspondent and am currently pursuing research about the treatment of news media in different countries including democratic, non-democratic and autocratic nations. According to my family many of whom live in Iran, Saberi has become victim to the animosity between the two nations. But why her, many ask and I have just the answer. She is a women, and was arrested purchasing wine (this is a breach of Islamic laws in the first place) and freelances for American media. The revolutionary government of Iran is making a point here, we do not welcome US- Iranian relationship in any form or fashion. An Iranian born in the US, she was a perfect scapegoat. Of course this isn't fair, and don't be surprised but Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is on her side. Although a great thing, I don't know how much of power he can exert to ensure her safety and release, considering that elections are about 2 months away and he is running for re-election.

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I urge you to sign the petition on the following facebook group: Release and return journalist Roxana Saberi from IR custody.