National Press Club Statement On Third Trial Date In Jason Rezaian Case

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Press Club President John Hughes tonight issued the following statement:

This evening we were informed by the Rezaian Family that the trial of Washington Post Reporter Jason Rezaian will resume tomorrow Monday, July 13 in Revolutionary Court in Tehran. Jason was detained without warning 355 days ago and this is only the third day of his trial.  We remain disappointed that the court proceedings are closed and that Jason's lawyer may not discuss the court proceedings.

We call upon Iran to stop delaying this trial and to release Jason so that he may be with his family. Jason has been held in prison longer than any other Western journalist and he should be freed.

Jason is a journalist. Later this month he will be recognized by our organization with one of our most prestigious awards for Press Freedom. The charges by Iran are baseless. The world is watching. It is well past time that Iran shows that it belongs in the community of nations and releases Jason.

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has 3,100 members worldwide representing nearly every major journalism organization and is a strong advocate for press freedom.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the National Press Club

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SOURCE National Press Club