Rooz: At what stage is your client's case?
Abdolsamad Khoramshahi (Khoramshahi): Ms. Saberi and I have filed an objection to the court sentence. According to existing laws the sentence can be appealed, which is what we have done. We have twenty days to prepare and submit to the court our arguments in support of Ms. Saberi. Certainly, after we submit our appeal, the case will be reviewed by a higher appellate court. We are awaiting to see what will take place.
Rooz: What was Ms. Saberi's reaction after hearing the eight-year prison verdict?
Khoramshahi: When she was informed of the verdict, she could not accept it. She was very surprised and sad. It was surprising for me as well. I had presented the court with arguments to refute the charges, and continue to have the same beliefs. I will present my appeal brief to the court within twenty days.
Rooz: Do you regard the passed sentence to be legal?
Khoramshahi: According to Iranian laws, an action is deemed criminal only if the person committing it has the "intention" to commit an unlawful act. My client never intended to undermine the Iranian state or national security.
Rooz: Where is Ms. Saberi right now?
Khoramshahi: She is imprisoned at Evin Prison's Ward 209 (designated for political prisoners). She is not in solitary confinement.
Rooz: How were her spirits when you talked to her?
Khoramshahi: Understandably not well after hearing the verdict. I tried to lift her spirits and actually we are very hopeful that this verdict will change during the appeal process.
Rooz: What are your plans for the appellate court?
Khoramshahi: My strategy in recent years has been focused on legal defense. I attempt to help my clients through legal means and presenting logical arguments and repeated follow ups. After discussing this issue with Mr. Saberi (Roxana's father), we have invited Mrs. Shirin Ebadi as well to assist me in defending Ms. Saberi at the appellate court. Mr. Saberi requested, I agreed to and Mrs. Ebadi accepted our invitation.
