Lawyer: Detained Post reporter’s final Iran hearing Monday

A Washington Post correspondent held in Iran for more than a year will have a final hearing in his case on Monday, the newspaper’s executive editor said, potentially bringing a close to a process that has drawn condemnation from press freedom groups and U.S. officials.

Monday’s hearing at a Revolutionary Court, which usually presides over political cases or those related to national security, will be the fourth in the case. “So, I can not say for sure that this is going to be Rezaian’s last hearing”.

“I’ve asked for his release”, Ahsan said, reiterating that she had applied for bail but it has not been given.

It is not clear when the court will issue its verdict. All were later released except Rezaian, who reportedly faces up to 10 to 20 years in prison if convicted on charges that include espionage and distributing propaganda against the Islamic Republic.

Journalists all around the world have joined The Post in calling for Rezaian’s release. The Publish, the U.S. authorities and press freedom organizations have criticized his trial.

Rezaian, a 39-year-old correspondent with dual Iran-US citizenships, along with his wife Yeganeh Salehi were arrested in Tehran on July 22, 2014.

In a speech last month, President Obama mentioned Rezaian and other Americans “who are unjustly detained in Iran”.

Iran reached the historic deal over its disputed nuclear programme last month with the world powers but it has yet to be implemented. However, all remain held.

The final hearing in Iran’s secretive trial against Jason Rezaian will take place on Monday, offering a new hope that the jailed Washington Post journalist will be released soon.

“We call again on Iran’s Revolutionary Court, even at this late date, to demonstrate fairness and justice that could only result in Jason’s acquittal and immediate release”, Baron said in a statement. This listening to “presents Iran with a chance to deliver this nightmare to a long-overdue and humane decision, by exonerating Jason and his spouse, Yeganeh, and permitting them the liberty that’s their proper”.