Monday, March 2, 2009

Iran accuses US reporter of 'illegally' gathering information

First Iran detained US journalist, Roxana Saberi, on charges of buying alcohol, now they're saying she 'illegally' gathered news whatever that means. The mullahacracy's oldest shtick, holding US citizens hostage. AFP

TEHRAN (AFP) — Iran said on Monday that a freelance US journalist with Iranian nationality who is reportedly being detained in the Islamic republic has been gathering news "illegally."

Foreign ministry spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi did not confirm or deny whether Roxana Saberi, 31, was being detained by the Iranian authorities, but said her activities were "illegal".

US-based National Public Radio and Fox News, citing Saberi's father, reported last week that the US-born journalist was arrested in late January on charges of buying alcohol, which is prohibited in the Islamic republic.

"Ever since her credentials were revoked by Ershad, her activities have been illegal," Ghashghavi said, referring to the ministry of culture and Islamic guidance, which provides press accreditation for foreign journalists and Iranian reporters working for foreign media in Iran.

"Since 2006 when her press accreditation was revoked, she should not have illegally sought to gather information and news in Iran."

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