Father says U.S. journalist in Iranian jail is ‘very weak’

TEHRAN, Iran – An American journalist jailed in Iran for allegedly spying for the U.S. is vowing to remain on a hunger strike until she is freed even though she is “very weak,” her father said Monday.

Roxana Saberi, who has been on a hunger strike for a week, was convicted more than a week ago and sentenced to eight years in prison after a one-day trial behind closed doors.

Her parents said they brought her a bouquet of flowers on Sunday – her 32nd birthday – and were able to visit her again in Evin prison on Monday.

“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.

Iran has released few details about the charges against Saberi. On Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said Saberi’s supporters would be surprised if the judiciary made the evidence against her public.

“Should the judge decide to expose details, the revelations will definitely make some of her supporters inside and outside Iran think seriously about the case,” Hasan Qashqavi told a press conference. He didn’t elaborate or say what the evidence was against Saberi.

He warned the U.S. not to make judgments or interfere with the case and stressed that Saberi was tried as an Iranian citizen.