Northwestern University journalist students and professors held a rally for release of their ex student Roxana Saberi. Roxana Saberi is being held in Iranian jail from February. She was arrested for reporting without proper press credentials but later on April 8 was charged with spying. This means she may have to face an eight years term in Iranian jail. Roxana Saberi meanwhile has begun her hunger strike in the prison where she is currently being held.

Many journalists, groups and friends are rallying behind this 31 year old reporter who returned to her father’s native country Iran some six years ago.  She worked as a reporter for National Public Radio and British Broadcasting Corp. According to her professors, since her student days Roxana had aimed to be a radio reporter and foreign correspondent.

Born to Iranian father and Japanese mother, Roxana Saberi had great curiosity about Iran and wanted to disprove the general stereotype opinion about Iran. Ironically, she has now become a political victim of Iran and Middle East crisis. U.S. State Department finds all charges baseless and will seek her release. Meanwhile friends and support groups have set up website and Face Book site to generate public opinion and support for her immediate release.

Via Chicago Tribune