President Ahmadinejad has urged the Iranian court system to provide a fair trial for Roxana Saberi and ensure that all of her rights are met, including her right to defend herself. Ms. Saberi's first trial for spying and her sentencing to 8 years in prison in Iran were conducted in secret without any legal representation for Saberi. BBC reports today that the Iranian President claims to want to "ensure that the process of examining the charges against the aforementioned individuals are being carried out carefully and fairness, justice and regulations are observed." So, it seems as if Saberi will be allowed an appeal trial with proper legal representation.
Read the article here.
For Saberi's sake, I hope that this is not a political move and that she will be able have a defense lawyer who can secure her release, but I am skeptical. Frankly, this sounds like way to legitimize Saberi's imprisonment. Now, once Iran sentences her again, they will be able to point to the President's nice little letter and her defense lawyers and say "See, we gave her a fair chance" before they throw her in prison for nearly a decade. I remain hopeful for her release...
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"So, it seems as if Saberi will be allowed an appeal trial with proper legal representation."
I am skeptical as well. Even if she does have formal legal representation, I have no doubt the court will be biased against her. Also, will she be tried by a jury? I'm afraid I don't know enough about the specifics of this case (or the Iranian judicial system), but I doubt the jury can be very impartial here. I think a political deal of some sort is more likely.