Saberi release is moment for joy, concern

New York, May 11, 2009–The Committee to Protect Journalists has issued the following statement in response to reports that freelance journalist Roxana Saberi, who had been imprisoned in Iran, has been released this morning:

“We are thrilled that Roxana Saberi has been released from prison and look forward to welcoming her home,” said Joel Simon, CPJ executive director. “But this is also a moment to reflect on the difficult conditions that Iranian journalists endure every day. Several Iranian journalists remain jailed today. We urge they be given the same opportunity for judicial review that was afforded to Roxana Saberi.”

At least five journalists were imprisoned in Iran when CPJ conducted its annual census on December 1, 2008.