The plight of journalist Roxana Saberi illustrates the glaring lack of justice in Iran's judicial system, and underscores the plight of more than a hundred journalists in similar circumstances across the globe.

The U.S. government, led by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, must continue to press harder for her freedom.

Initially accused of buying a bottle of wine (an illegal act in Iran), Saberi, a freelance journalist and former Miss North Dakota, soon found those charges switched to espionage. Saberi, 31, who holds dual U.S.-Iranian citizenship and has worked for such organizations as National Public Radio and BBC, was convicted of spying for the United States.

Her one-day trial was held in secret, with no evidence made public. And her attorney was given virtually no time to prepare a defense, according to Human Rights Watch. She was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison.

It's a ridiculous charge. Saberi must not be used as a bargaining chip in diplomatic talks between Iran and the new U.S. administration. She should be released, without conditions.

Saberi's case crystallizes some of the reasons Iran remains an outlier among the world's democracies — an intolerance for free discussion and a politicized judicial system that preys on its own citizens.

There are positive signs. Iran's judiciary spokesman says that Saberi's verdict could be reconsidered.

It should be overturned, and Saberi should be freed immediately.

The tension is rising. Time will tell if due process and justice can exist in Iran.