Iran sentences U.S. reporter to 8 years

TEHRAN, April 18 (UPI) -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Saturday the United States will work to free an Iranian-American journalist sentenced to prison in Iran for spying.

Iran's Revolutionary Court sentenced Roxana Saberi to eight years, her attorney says. Saberi, a freelancer who worked for National Public Radio, the BBC and the Fox News television network, was found guilty of spying for the United States at trial held in Tehran this week, the BBC reported.

Saberi, 31, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen who grew up in Fargo, N.D., had originally faced accusations of buying alcohol and then of working as a journalist without a valid press card. She has spent six years in Iran studying and writing a book, the British broadcaster said.

Clinton said the U.S. government would "vigorously" pursue Saberi's release.

" I am deeply disappointed by the reported sentencing of Roxana Saberi by the Iranian judiciary," she said. "We are working closely with the Swiss Protecting Presence to obtain details about the court's decision, and to ensure her well being. Ms. Saberi was born and raised in the United States, yet chose to travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran due to her desire to learn more about her cultural heritage. Our thoughts are with her parents and family during this difficult time."