Vigil for Saberi to be held Saturday

A vigil for imprisoned journalist Roxana Saberi is planned Saturday afternoon in Fargo-Moorhead.

Saberi, who grew up in Fargo and graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, has been sentenced to eight years in an Iranian prison for espionage.

Local journalist and newspaper publisher John Strand, who is organizing the event, says many people feel helpless to do anything about Saberi's imprisonment. He says just showing up can send a message.

"We saw lots of people show up to fight the flood and that image went around the world. People saw that image of us showing up. If we show up here I believe that image will be very powerful," he said.

People are encouraged to wear yellow and gather at 2 p.m. Saturday on the Veterans Memorial bridge between Fargo and Moorhead. Scheduled speakers include North Dakota Governor John Hoeven and Concordia College president Pamela Joliceur.

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