Iranian court to hear Saberi appeal

TEHRAN, May 9 (UPI) -- Roxana Saberi's lawyer says he's optimistic the jailed U.S.-Iranian reporter will be acquitted after an appeal to be heard Sunday in Tehran.

It's not known why Iran's justice system moved the appeal from its original date Tuesday, said Abdolsamad Khorramshahi, lawyer for the 32-year-old Saberi.

Saberi has been in Tehran's Evin prison since January after being convicted by the Revolutionary Court of spying for the United States, a charge she denied.

Saberi, who was sentenced to eight years prison, originally was arrested and charged with buying alcohol, then later with reporting without a permit, and finally with espionage.

Her case had drawn international intention, including an appeal from U.S. President Barack Obama for her release. Saberi eased off her two-week hunger strike and began accepting food again this week, her family told the BBC in a story published Saturday.

Saberi, who holds duel citizenship in Iran and the United States, has spent six years in Iran studying and writing a book. She has worked as a freelance reporter for the BBC and U.S.-based National Public Radio.