“The verdict for this case has been issued”, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejeie, the judiciary’s spokesman and deputy chief, was quoted as saying on its official website.
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Earlier on Sunday, the judiciary spokesmen told journalists at a news briefing that a “verdict” had been reached in the case but that he did not know the results.
US-born Rezaian was arrested in July 2014 and has 20 days to appeal against the verdict.
The Washington Post says Jason Rezaian is a victim being held on false grounds and that he is being subjected to physical and psychological abuse. The Washington Post, stymied in its efforts to win the release of journalist Rezaian from Iran, has filed an urgent petition asking help from a United Nations agency.
He added in a prepared statement that the government of Iran act unconscionably through the entire case, but not anymore than with this decision that is indefensible by its Revolutionary Court. His closed-door trial on espionage and related charges ended two months ago, and the delay in a verdict has never been explained. The final hearing in his trial was on August. 10.Jehl said the vague nature of Iran’s announcement showed that Rezaian’s case was not just about espionage and that the reporter was “caught up in this collision of forces who are at odds with each other”.
Iranian state TV called Rezaian an “American spy” and accused him of giving information to the USA about individuals and companies who were helping Iran get around global economic sanctions, but Rezaian’s family and The Washington Post insist the charges are bogus, reports The New York Times.
Iran and the United States have not had diplomatic relations since 1980. The Washington Post has dismissed these charges as “absurd”. Salehi, also a journalist, has since been released, but Rezaian has remained in jail.
Officials did not give details of the judgement, but hinted at a conviction.
Rezaian will now face sentencing, which could be harsh. Martin Baron the executive editor of the Post called the verdict of guilty, “an outrageous injustice”.
His supporters and human rights advocates have repeatedly complained of the shadowy, secretive nature of the Iranian judicial process.
In describing his situation further, Rezaian was held in isolation for months, without access to a lawyer.
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“The only thing that’s been clear from the beginning is Jason’s innocence”.
