WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of the National Press Club and journalist around the world are overjoyed at the news our colleague Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian who has been in prison for 544 days for simply doing his job has been released, and may now be reunited with his family and friends.
According to multiple media reports Rezaian has been released along with three other American-Iranian prisoners by the Iranian government. We are still waiting to hear confirmation from the Iranian government of his release.
"We at the National Press Club have worked tirelessly to advocate for Jason's release, and are ecstatic to read the latest reports," said NPC President Thomas Burr. "I want to give a special thanks to our former President John Hughes, Press Freedom Committee Chair John Donnelly and Executive Director Bill McCarren for the tremendous effort they have put into lobbying for Jason's release."
Since Rezaian was arrested by Iranian authorities the NPC has hosted multiple press conferences with Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron and Ali Rezaian, promoted an online campaign collecting signatures demanding his release and held a 24-hour readathon of Rezaian's articles. Journalists around the world have joined us in condemning the baseless charges of espionage that was levied against Rezaian and demanded his freedom.
"These reports, if confirmed, are encouraging and his release is long overdue," said Donnelly. "We are all excited at the prospect of being able to see him with our own eyes, safe and sound."
The other prisoners who have reportedly been released are former U.S. Marine Amir Hekmati, Pastor Saeed Abedini and businessman Siamak Namazi.
Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the National Press Club
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160116/322906
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080917/NPCLOGO
SOURCE National Press Club
Share this article