AFP WASHINGTON (AFP) — Charges of espionage presented against a US-Iranian journalist held since late January at a Tehran prison are "baseless," a US State Department spokesman said Thursday.
"We're deeply concerned about the Iranian government announcement that Roxana Saberi has been charged with espionage," said State Department spokesman Robert Wood.
"This charge is baseless. It's without foundation," Wood said.
"What we want to see Iran do is to release Roxana Saberi so that she can go back to her family."
In Iran, deputy prosecutor Hassan Haddad said Wednesday that Saberi, 31, was charged with "carrying out spying activities under the guise of being a reporter."
"We're deeply concerned about the Iranian government announcement that Roxana Saberi has been charged with espionage," said State Department spokesman Robert Wood.
"This charge is baseless. It's without foundation," Wood said.
"What we want to see Iran do is to release Roxana Saberi so that she can go back to her family."
In Iran, deputy prosecutor Hassan Haddad said Wednesday that Saberi, 31, was charged with "carrying out spying activities under the guise of being a reporter."
Iran's decision to charge Saberi comes despite calls by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for her release and President Barack Obama's diplomatic overtures to Iran.
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