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Statement on Release of Roxana Saberi From Family of Silva Harotonian, Iranian Political Prisoner

Posted on: Tuesday, 12 May 2009, 08:50 CDT

From Klara Moradkhan (Los Angeles, Calif.), Cousin of Silva Harotonian, Young Woman Detained in Iran, May 12, 2009

LOS ANGELES, May 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement regarding the release of Roxana Saberi from an Iranian prison is from Klara Moradkhan, the cousin of Silva Harotonian, a young Iranian woman of Armenian descent jailed in Iran since June 2008 on similar political charges:

The release of Roxana Saberi from Iran's Evin Prison marks a joyous occasion for her and her family, friends and supporters. In responding to pleas for mercy, Iranian authorities suspended Roxana's sentence and have ended her difficult ordeal.

We have sympathized with the Saberis throughout this situation and are so pleased for Roxana's loved ones as they welcome her home.

As we celebrate Roxana's freedom, I implore the world to please remember my cousin Silva Harotonian, who is still imprisoned in Iran. Silva also is being held in Evin Prison on charges of fostering a "soft revolution."

Detained since June 2008, Silva is a kind-hearted, innocent young woman trapped in an unfortunate misunderstanding. An employee in the Yerevan, Armenia, office of the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX), Silva visited Iran to support IREX's exchange program for maternal and child healthcare professionals in Iran and the United States.

Silva was sentenced to three years in prison in January 2009. Her first appeal was denied in March 2009 and her second - and final - appeal is pending. Silva's health is now failing, meaning time is of the essence.

Silva has never acted with bad intentions toward Iran. She took her position with IREX as an administrative staffer to support her family and improve her country. I long for the days when Silva and I could discuss literature, read her poetry together, and enjoy life's simple pleasures.

On behalf of Silva's family, I respectfully and emphatically continue to ask the Iranian government to grant Silva her freedom. I encourage others to join our effort by visiting www.FreeSilva.org.

SOURCE Klara Moradkhan, FreeSilva.org

Source: PR Newswire

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