Roxana Saberi: Hunger Strike

Roxana Saberi, the American journalist imprisoned in Iran for spying, begins her hunger strike today.

George Stephanopoulos is in Iran to interview Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

They discussed Saberi.

Video.

Transcript

AHMADINEJAD: I do not pass judgment over judicial cases. I think Mr. Obama, as a sign of change and also to encourage friendship, should allow laws to be processed fairly and allow the judiciary to carry out its duty. I am sure that she will not be mistreated.

STEPHANOPOULOS: May I go see her for myself to assure that she is safe?

AHMADINEJAD: Let's see. If our judicial regulations allow for that, sure.

Stephanopoulos said they went to the judiciary offices for permission to see Saberi, but they weren't allowed to take photos or get beyond the gates.

However, Stephanopoulos was able to speak with Saberi's parents, Reza and Akiko Saberi.

REZA SABERI: She has lost some weight and she looks frail. But she was in good spirits.

STEPHANOPOULOS: You surprised her.

AKIKO SABERI: Yes. She had no idea we were coming or we were there. She was shocked.

STEPHANOPOULOS: She told you that she was prepared to go on a hunger strike?

REZA SABERI: Yes.

STEPHANOPOULOS: When will that begin?

REZA SABERI: She said that she will go on a hunger strike as of Thursday.

STEPHANOPOULOS: What did she tell you about the confession?

REZA SABERI: She said they, first they coerced her. They scared her. They said that they... They even threatened her, that if she doesn't say... they will do, they will kill her.

Roxana Saberi's hunger strike and her parents being in Iran talking to media certainly keeps her story alive.

It's important to keep the public focused on Saberi. The more attention this all receives the more pressure the Obama administration and the Iranians are under to resolve the matter and arrange her speedy release.

This is a hostage situation.

Roxana Saberi can't be allowed to linger in a prison in Iran.