Iran sentences U.S. journalist to 8 years in prison

An Iranian court today sentenced American-born journalist Roxana Saberi to eight years in prison after trying her in secret on charges of spying for the United States. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton responded by saying she was "deeply disappointed" with the decision. An unnamed analyst told Reuters that the sentence "was likely to be commuted or reduced in a higher court."

The New York Times quotes an unnamed analyst saying the entire incident might be part of a plan to derail diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States.

From the NYT:

One political analyst in Iran, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the delicate subject matter, said Ms. Saberi’s arrest could be part of the efforts by radical forces within the establishment who might be trying to sabotage any reconciliation with the United States.

“There have been similar efforts in the past to sabotage efforts that were aimed at resuming ties with the United States,” he said. “Her jailing might be part of the same efforts."

Time magazine's Scott MacLeod has some thoughts on the conviction here.