Trial wraps up for Washington Post reporter held in Iran

TEHRAN, Iran — The final hearing for a Washington Post reporter detained in Iran more than a year ago and charged with espionage ends on Monday, with a verdict expected in the coming days in a trial that has been condemned by the newspaper and press freedom groups.

The fourth closed-door hearing in the trial of Jason Rezaian ends after a few hours devoted to his defense. Rezaian was tried by a Revolutionary Court, which hears sensitive cases, including those related to national security.

The 39-year-old journalist was born and spent most of his life in the United States, and holds both American and Iranian citizenship. Iran does not recognize dual nationalities for its citizens.

His lawyer, Leila Ahsan, tells The Associated Press after the hearing that she expects a verdict “in a week.” The trial began in May.

Rezaian, Salehi, and two photojournalists were detained on July 22, 2014, in Tehran. All were later released except Rezaian, who according to the Post faces up to 10 to 20 years in prison if convicted on charges that include espionage and distributing propaganda against the Islamic Republic.

The Post, the US government and press freedom organizations have criticized the charges and his long detention in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison.

— AP