Washington Post bureau chief’s trial continues in Tehran

Jason Rezaian's closed-door trial resumed in the Revolutionary Court in Tehran on Monday, Iran's state IRNA news agency reported. The court has not yet announced a verdict.

The 39-year old Washington Post Tehran bureau chief (seen with wife Yeganeh Salehi in above photo) has been in prison for a year, held on charges of spying, cooperating with “hostile governments” and distributing anti-Iran propaganda. US officials, the Washington Post, and several human rights groups have called for his release.

"We regret that Jason's trial has been closed and his lawyer is barred from discussing the court proceedings," said Ali Rezaian, Jason's brother. "Jason's continued detention is as baseless as it is cruel and unjust. We ask the Iranian judiciary to put an end to the delays in his trial, release Jason and allow him to reunite with his family."

Rezaian has maintained his innocence. His lawyer, Leila Ahsan, has insisted there is "no proof" against him.

Efforts for release

Rezaian's mother Mary and his wife Yeganeh Salehi appeared at the courthouse before the trial, but were barred from entering the courtroom. Salehi, who is also a journalist, was arrested on similar charges with Rezaian and two other photojournalists in July 2014. She and one of the photojournalists were later released.

Mary Rezaian told reporters that she didn't know if the US was making any deals for her son as part of the broader nuclear deal.

"I do know that there has been effort made on all levels throughout the United States and other countries," she said.

Nuclear talks endgame

The timing of Rezaian's trial coincides with the final stages of months of intense negotiations between Iran and Western powers over Tehran's controversial nuclear program.

This is the third session of his trial. The first two were held in May and June.

Rezaian holds both Iranian and American citizenship. Iran does not recognize dual nationalities.

mes (AFP, AP)