Saberi Receives Courage Medal

Chicago, IL. - What a thrill for graduates of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism. During convocation ceremonies today, they got to hear from Roxana Saberi, the American-Iran journalist recently imprisoned in Iran. Saberi, a Northwestern alum, was honored for her courage. She told the graduates that the experience taught her much about herself. Nancy Pender has the story.

******************************************

This was familiar territory for Roxana Saberi. Ten years ago she graduated with a master's degree from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism. Now she was back to receive the school's Courage in Journalism Award.

“I'm honored and humbled to receive this award."

Courage is something Saberi says she didn't really think about, until February of this year, when she was arrested in Iran and charged with spying for the U.S.

"During those first few weeks I think I sank to my lowest level...I was so afraid and I was very weak I kept thinking to myself ok, Roxana try to remember those saying you've read about courage."

She says she initially compromised her journalistic ethics by pleading guilty in exchange for her freedom. But then she was housed with other female inmates. some political prisoners who inspired Saberi says helped her find her courage.

“I recanted by confession because I saw how strong they were and I felt so ashamed of my own weakness that I recanted that false confession knowing full well it would jeopardize my freedom an indeed it did.'

Saberi was convicted of espionage and sentenced to eight years in an Iranian prison. Students and staff at Medill spoke out against her imprisonment, some even joined Saberi on a hunger strike.

Seeing her now was a rewarding experience for the graduates as they embark on their own journalistic careers.

“Hearing so much about her and then getting to see her in person was just fabulous she was just so poised and really genuine."

"That was very powerful, very moving."