Middle East

Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian sentenced to prison in Iran

Journalist accused of espionage in case that is sensitive in contentious US-Iranian relations

Iranian-American Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian: the Committee to Protect Journalists said charges against him were “bogus” and called for his release. File photograph: AFP/Getty Images
Iranian-American Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian: the Committee to Protect Journalists said charges against him were “bogus” and called for his release. File photograph: AFP/Getty Images
Mon Nov 23 2015 - 01:00

An Iranian court has sentenced Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian to prison, the state news agency said yesterday quoting the judiciary spokesman, in a case that is a sensitive issue in contentious US-Iranian relations.

The length of the prison term was not specified.

US State Department spokesman John Kirby said he was aware of the IRNA report but could not independently confirm it.

It was not clear why Iran has not given details of the ruling against Mr Rezaian (39) who is accused of espionage.The Committee to Protect Journalists said the charges were “bogus” and called for his release.

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– (Reuters)