Roxan Saberi “Very Weak,” Vows to Continue Hunger Strike
Roxan Saberi’s father told journalists on Monday that his daughter is “very weak.” Despite her health problems, she told her parents she will continue her hunger strike until she is freed.
Saberi was arrested and later found guilty of espionage. The entire case took place behind closed doors; there is little doubt about her innocence.
Instead, Saberi pays the price for the horrible U.S.-Iranian relations since 1979. She was arrested not because she did anything wrong, but because her country and Iran are (mortal?) enemies.
Her parents traveled to Iran immediately after she was convicted. They are there to provide her with mental and spiritual support. There is not much else they can do for her, however, expect for talking to media which may result in international (or at least American) pressure on Tehran to release Saberi.
The imprisoned journalist ‘celebrated’ her 32nd birthday last year. Her parents bought her flowers and were allowed to visit her in prison.
“Roxana is very weak and pale. She has been on a hunger strike for a week now,” her father, Reza Saberi, told The Associated Press. “She is only drinking sweetened water to remain alive.”
He said he tried to persuade his daughter to end her hunger strike but she refused. “She vowed to remain on hunger strike until she is freed,” he said.
Washington’s silence on the subject is absolutely infuriating. We do not know what is happening behind closed doors, of course, but Obama and Clinton should call for Saberi’s release publicly on a daily basis.
A government’s first responsibility is to protect its citizens no matter where they are. Thus far, the Obama administration has failed to do so.
It sets a dangerous precedent for other Americans living in countries that do not get along well with the U.S.
Proving once and for all that one woman can single-handedly show up Iran’s powerful, brave, masculine and honorable leader for the intensely cowardly and obsolete little boy he really is.