Since Roxana Seberi, the Iranian-American journalist freed from jail in Iran yesterday after four months in prison, attended an ELCA college in Minnesota, denominational leaders have been particularly interested in her trial. Seberi, 32, had been accused of espionage.
Late yesterday, an ELCA spokesman sent over a couple of statements.
First, from ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson: “I join many other people of good will today in welcoming the news of Roxana Saberi’s release from prison in Iran. Her release after this long, unfortunate ordeal brings a sense of relief not only to her family and friends, but also to those who have called upon the Iranian authorities for her to be freed.”
Second, from Dr. Pamela Jolicoeur, president, Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn, where Saberi graduated in 1997. “All of us in the Concordia community are thrilled and grateful that Roxana’s ordeal is over and that it has been resolved in a just and peaceful manner. Undoubtedly this terrible experience has taken a great toll on Roxana and her family. We will continue to support them in any way we can. For now, we are so thankful she is free and eagerly anticipate the chance to welcome her home.”
Photo by AP.