Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has written a letter to the prosecutor in Tehran. He has asked that Roxana Saberi, the American journalist sentenced yesterday to 8 years in prison, has the legal right to defend herself.
Ahmadinejad asked the prosecutor, "personally make sure that the accused people enjoy all freedoms and legal rights to defend themselves and their rights are not violated."
Well, that would have been a nice gesture if he made it before Saberi was convicted.
It is also worth remembering that Saberi was imprisoned for two months without charge.
Where was Ahmadinejad's concern for due process back then?
But no matter. Ahmadinejad is doing this to convince the United States and the world that he and his government aren't such bad people after all. They want to create the impression they are as fair minded as anyone in the world (unless you are Jewish or Baha'i.) Ahmadinejad is also doing so less than 60 days before he stands for re-election.
If Saberi's appeal is successful and she is released from jail Ahmadinejad will give the appearance he is fair and reasonable. If her appeal isn't successful, Ahmadinejad will say that at least he tried and will argue Iran's judicial system is independent of the Presidency and the Mullahs.
Either way Ahmadinejad wins and he will be rewarded with an audience with President Obama.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
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