NDHRC Annual Meeting: November 14, Fargo

October 20, 2009 by admin 

Saturday, November 14, 2009
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Dr. James Carlson Library, 2801 32nd Ave. S., Fargo

Please join us for the NDHRC Annual Meeting! Learn about the NDHRC’s current activities, and provide input about what projects and issues you would like the NDHRC to focus on in the future.

Lunch will be provided.

Please RSVP to jessehegland@ndhrc.org

Reporter Saberi leaves Iran jail

May 11, 2009 by admin 

The US-Iranian journalist jailed in Iran, Roxana Saberi, has been freed from prison after having her sentence for spying reduced.

Lawyers for the 31 year old, whose imprisoning sparked a global outcry, said she left Tehran’s Evin jail hours after her eight-year term was cut.

She will be able to leave the country but has been banned from working as a journalist in Iran for five years.

Ms Saberi was convicted of spying for the US in April but denied the charge.

The BBC’s Tehran correspondent says the charge against her was reduced on appeal to one carrying a lesser sentence.

The case sparked international attention and protests calling for Roxana Saberi to be released.

Read more on BBC…



Saberi ends hunger strike

May 6, 2009 by admin 

U.S. Journalist Jailed In Iran Ends Hunger Strike

by The Associated Press

NPR.org, May 6, 2009 · An American journalist convicted by an Iranian court of spying for the U.S. has ended her hunger strike for health reasons, her father said Wednesday.

Roxana Saberi, a dual Iranian-American national was convicted last month of espionage and sentenced to eight years in prison after a one-day trial behind closed doors.

“Roxana called last night to inform me that she has ended her hunger strike,” Reza Saberi told The Associated Press. “I’m relieved that she has done so to avoid a deterioration of her health.”


Full story @ NPR.org



VIDEO: Free Roxana Saberi Vigil (NDHRC event)

May 5, 2009 by admin 

High Plains Reader and many others, listed below, to host a peaceful rally in support imprisoned journalist Roxana Saberi.

The event wa a great success with several notable speakers including Congressman Earl Pomeroy, Governor John Hoeven and Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker. NDHRC Executive Director Mitch Marr also spoke.

Special thanks to Tucker Lucas for creating the video!

YouTube Preview Image
Free Roxana Saberi: A Hometown Vigil – Saturday, May 2, 2009
Video courtesy of Tucker Lucas


Event organized and sponsored by High Plains Reader, North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, KFGO, The Flag, People Escaping Poverty Project, North Dakota Newspaper Association, North Dakota Broadcasters Association, and KVLY / KXJB Tv / Valley News Live.


High Plains Reader Editorial: From Flood to Freedom Fighting

May 1, 2009 by admin 

Thursday, April 30 – Link to orginal article

Roxana Saberi’s situation right now is looking grimmer by the day. She’s been on a hunger strike for over a week, and there seems to be little hope of intervention by the U.S. government. Under Iranian law, she may or may not have been guilty of the accusations against her, but this isn’t about politics. This is about caring for human life. When our property was on the line during the flood we are still recovering from, we rose as one and fought the river back. Now, when the life of a community member is on the line, will we not do the same?

From flood to freedom fighting, Fargo can overcome adversity. Let us make a spectacle of unfathomable proportion, so that our demonstration may dwell in the thoughts of the world. It is time to let the masses know that Fargo-Moorhead will not let this happen lightly. That is why we, in cooperation with other various organizations, particularly the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, have planned a home town vigil on the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Main Avenue, this Saturday at 2 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to wear yellow ribbons, yellow armbands, or yellow clothing of any sort. Speaking at the vigil will be the President of Concordia, Congressman Pomeroy, a representative of the North Dakota Newspaper Association, a representative of the North Dakota Broadcasters Association, various media, and other friends and advocates.

A special thanks to those who are supporting Roxana’s plight: ND Human Rights Coalition, Concordia College, North Dakota Newspaper Association, North Dakota Broadcasters Association, KVLY / KXJB Tv / Valley News Live, KFGO, People Escaping Poverty Project (PEPP), The Flag, FM Extra, Red River Women’s Network, and many more.

On a side note, it seems there is a community in California who also have one of their locals imprisoned in Iran. There is talk that they will host a similar demonstration at the same time in the hopes that our unified voice will be even stronger.

Final Push to Free the Cass 23:

On a similar note, the remaining members of the Cass 23 are awaiting trial on May 7. This is the last chance for these men to receive justice. Lured by the false promises of a company called Signal International, they came to the United States to find themselves without the green card they were promised, underpaid, and in slave-like conditions.

They had a choice between legal temporary residency in indentured servitude, or illegal status on the run. These men chose the latter. Many of them spent their life savings on this scam, some even acquiring loans from shady loan-sharks.

They can’t go home and face the consequences there, but they can’t work if they stay here. The trial on May 7 will determine their fate. They could be deported, sent packing both broke and broken-hearted to an even worse situation.

There will be a prayer vigil/rally for these men at Olivet Lutheran Church, Friday, May 1 at 4:30 p.m. This is the final push to convince the powers that be to intervene. Our current immigrations policy is broken, and by beating legislators over the head with it, we might just accomplish something.

Saberi Vigil: FINAL SPEAKING SCHEDULE

May 1, 2009 by admin 

** 2 p.m. start **

Inide Out Strings Live Music 1:40 – 1:58 pm (to be confirmed)
Solo — The National Anthem — Mary Cutrufello (Minneapolis)
1 min. Welcome Lineup Preview Emcee John Strand
2 min. Prayer Rabbi Janeen Kobrinsky
5 min. Concordia President Dr. Pamela Jolicoeur
5 min. ND Gov. John Hoeven
5 min. Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker
5 min. US Congressman Earl Pomeroy
2 min.Ryan Asheim representing Sen. Byron Dorgan
2 min. ND Newspaper Assn. Exec. Dir. — Roger Bailey
2 min Scott Hennen The Flag / ND Broadcasters Assn.
2 min. Joel Heikamp KFGO
2 min Daron Selvig KVLY / KXJB / Valley News Live
2 min. Friend / neighbor ? / MPR Mentor?
2 min. Catherine McMullen, Concordia Journalism Professor
2 min Mitch Marr NDHRC Exec. Dir.
Vocal Solo — God Bless America — Mary Cutrufello
1 min Wrapup John Strand


Saberi Vigil: Fargo Forum article

April 29, 2009 by admin 

Published April 29 2009
Supporters plan Saturday vigil for Roxana Saberi, the Fargo journalist imprisoned in Iran

By: Kelly Smith, INFORUM

FARGO – A vigil for Roxana Saberi is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday at Veterans Memorial Bridge between Fargo and Moorhead.

“We have to remind the communities she’s one of us; she’s a Fargoan, a North Dakotan,” said Concordia College professor Catherine McMullen, who taught Saberi when she attended the school. “This is not a political event. It’s just to show support.”

The event is organized by several local media organizations and community leaders as well as the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition.

Saberi, a 32-year-old Fargo native and Fargo North High graduate, was sentenced to eight years in prison for spying for the U.S. more than a week ago.

She’s been held in a Tehran prison since Feburary, and has lived in Iran for six years, contributing to news organizations such as National Public Radio and the BBC.

Participants are encouraged Saturday to wear yellow ribbons, arm bands or clothing in honor of her.

For more on the event, read Thursday’s Forum.

Roxana Saberi: Links

April 29, 2009 by admin 

Here are some helpful links to learn more and take further action regarding Roxana Saberi:

Free Roxana Saberi

Reporters Without Borders

Committee to Protect Journalist

Facebook group




Free Roxana Saberi: A Hometown Vigil

April 29, 2009 by admin 

Roxana Saberi’s home town speaks out  for her safety and freedom. Join a public gathering in support of Saberi and her family. Please wear yellow ribbons, arm bands or clothing.

WHEN: Saturday, May 2 @ 2pm
WHERE: Veterans Memorial Bridge, Main Avenue, Downtown Fargo ND / Moorhead MN


Tentative speakers include: Catherine McMullen, Roger Bailey, Rabbi Janeen Kobrinsky, John Strand, Joel Heitkamp, Scott Hennen, A representative of KVLY, A representative of ND broadcasters Association, Mitch Marr and others to be named…


Event organized and sponsored by High Plains Reader, North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, KFGO, The Flag, People Escaping Poverty Project, North Dakota Newspaper Association, North Dakota Broadcasters Association, KVLY / KXJB Tv / Valley News Live, and others to be named.


For information, contact:

John Strand 701.298.9272 (H), 701.235.1553 (w) High Plains Reader
Zach Kobrinsky 701.261.6339 (c), 701.235.1553 (w) High Plains Reader
Mitch Marr 218.329.6785 ND Human Rights Coalition
Catherine McMullen 701.429.7989 (C), 218.299.3994 (w) English and Journalism Professor, Concordia College
Roger Bailey, 701.223.6397 (w), ND Newspaper Association
Charley Johnson, 701.237.5211, Valley News Live (KVLY, KXJB), ND Broadcasters Association President, former teacher of Roxana Saberi
Joel Heitkamp, 701.899.2326 (c), 701.237.5346 (w), KFGO
Scott Hennen, 701.271.1100 (w), The Flag


Yellow Ribbons / Yellow Arm Bands / Yellow Clothing encouraged at event.