US reporter's fiance pleads for her release

Cairo: An Iranian filmmaker, who said he is engaged to the American journalist jailed in Iran for allegedly spying for the US, defended his fiancee as innocent in an open letter and begged Iranian authorities to release her.

The letter by Bahman Ghobadi, circulated by an Iranian human rights group, described 31-year-old Roxana Saberi as an intelligent, hardworking reporter who spent virtually all her time doing research. He also said she had long wanted to leave Iran, but stayed for him.

"I am writing this letter for I am worried about her. I am worried about her health. I heard she was depressed and cried all the time. She is very sensitive," Ghobadi said. "My letter is a desperate call to all statesmen and politicians, and to all those who can do something to help. ... I beg you, let her go! ... I beg you not to throw her in the midst of your political games!"

Saberi, a dual Iranian-American citizen who was born in the US and grew up in Fargo, North Dakota, moved to Iran six years ago and worked as a freelance reporter for several news organisations including the British Broadcasting Corp.

She was arrested in January on another charge but convicted of spying last week and sentenced to eight years in prison.