An Iranian court began a session to hear an appeal by Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi against her eight-year prison sentence for espionage, and her lawyer predicted on Sunday it would be "substantially" reduced.
Defence lawyer Abdolsamad Khorramshahi said the appeals court might issue its verdict later on Sunday.
Saberi, who was sentenced on April 18 on charges of spying for the United States, smiled as she entered the court room accompanied by two security guards.
But the 32-year-old freelance journalist, who has worked for the BBC and U.S. National Public Radio, looked thin and tired, and appeared uncertain about what was taking place.
"Is it today?" she asked, in apparent reference to the appeal session, which was closed to the public.
Her father Reza was not allowed in to follow the proceedings. Last week, he said she had ended a two-week hunger strike in Tehran's Evin jail and was "very weak". The judiciary denied she had refused food and said she was in good health.
"There is a probability that the appeal verdict will be issued today. I guess that the appeals court would substantially reduce the sentence," Khorramshahi, her lawyer, told reporters.
He has expressed optimism that U.S.-born Saberi, who wore a black chador as she entered court, would be acquitted or have her sentence reduced.
Last week, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said the review of Saberi's case would be based on "justice and human and Islamic kindness".
Saberi, a citizen of both the United States and Iran, was arrested in late January for working in the Islamic country after her press credentials had expired. She was later charged with espionage.
PRESS FREEDOM
Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has said her conviction was a warning to foreign journalists working in Iran ahead of its presidential election in June.
The case could complicate Washington's efforts towards reconciliation with Iran after three decades of mutual mistrust.
The United States says the espionage charges against Saberi, a former Miss Dakota who moved to Tehran six years ago, were baseless and has demanded her immediate release.
Tehran, which does not recognise dual nationality, says Washington should respect the independence of Iran's judiciary.
The two countries are locked in a dispute over nuclear work that the West fears is aimed at making weapons, an allegation that Iran denies.
Reporters Without Borders said last month that seven journalists were imprisoned in Iran, which it said was ranked 166th out of 173 countries in its latest press freedom index.
Iran denies Western allegations it is seeking to stifle dissenting voices. The government says it welcomes constructive criticism and upholds the principle of free speech