UPDATED: Jason Rezaian, Amir Hekmati, 32, of Flint, Mich., and Saeed Abedini, 35, of Boise, Idaho and Robert A. Levinson, 67, are going to die because Obama did not demand their release during his very shitty “deal with Iran.” Jason’s final “trial” is Monday. Please tweet @POTUS and let him know what you think, maybe he will care.
If you watch Anthony Bourdain’s CNN show, Parts Unknown you may have seen the compelling episode about Iran. In the course of that episode, he interviewed a very charming couple. The man, Jason Rezaian is a Washington Post reporter and a dual citizen of both the US and Iran, and wife, Yeganeh Salehi, is an Iranian. Shortly after the taping of the show, both were imprisoned. Yegi was eventually released but Jason has been imprisoned for nearly a year. He has several medical needs and has had limited care and food.
Today the New York Times released a new story on the situation and his situation remains very grim. Despite numerous attempts by the US to have him released, the outlook is not good. I thought I would share an excerpt of the latest story below for those who are interested.
Ignoring foreign requests for court access, the Iranian judge presiding over the espionage case against Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post reporter imprisoned for 10 months, has barred everyone except the defendant and his lawyer, Mr. Rezaian’s brother said Monday on the eve of the trial.
Not even Mr. Rezaian’s mother and wife, who as of last week had been led to believe they would be allowed to attend, will be permitted in the courtroom, the brother said.
Mr. Rezaian, 39, was scheduled to appear Tuesday in the Tehran Revolutionary Court branch of Judge Abolghassem Salavati, known as “the judge of death” for tough sentences and a reputation that led the European Union to place him on a blacklist in 2011 for human rights abuses.
Mr. Rezaian’s lawyer, Leila Ahsan, expects the trial to last two to three days, the defendant’s brother, Ali Rezaian, said in a telephone interview from California, where the Rezaian family children were born and grew up.
Ali Rezaian said the lawyer had informed the family of the judge’s decision on court access early Monday. Both he and The Washington Post strongly criticized the decision, saying it only strengthened their assertions that the prosecution was groundless.
“Why is it that the trial is not public?” he said. “I don’t know the right word to say. Unconscionable.”
Martin Baron, the executive editor of The Washington Post, which had sought a visa to allow a senior editor to attend the trial, said in a statement that the request went unanswered.
“The shameful acts of injustice continue without end in the treatment of Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian,” Mr. Baron said. “Now we learn his trial will be closed to the world. And so it will be closed to the scrutiny it fully deserves.”
Mr. Rezaian and his wife, Yeganeh Salehi, were arrested last July in a raid on their Tehran home. Ms. Salehi was released on bail after a few months and warned not to discuss the case, while Mr. Rezaian has remained in Evin Prison, interrogated, denied medical treatment and legal counsel. He has lost more than 40 pounds.
The exact nature of the charges against him was not disclosed until last month, when Ms. Ahsan, who has been permitted to meet with Mr. Rezaian only once, said they included four counts, one of which was espionage. Please click here for the entire NYT story.
I was not aware of any of this. It is sad and looks suspicious as to any positive outcome for this man. His brother would know better than me, but I would disagree with the Bourdain interview only being a coincidence. The brother may have reason to be careful in his comments.
Please keep us informed, Tamara.
Bourdain may have drawn some attention to him, which makes him a bigger bargaining chip for the over all nuclear agreement of which he appears to be a pawn.
They claim that because he sent a form letter as per his WP job to Obama, offering to help with Iranian diplomacy the whole article is quite interesting.
On Mon, May 25, 2015 at 6:10 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I have followed this story closely for over a year now with my interest being Saeed before I realized that others were also being held by Iran. Many, many people have petitioned Kerry first and then Obama. It seems IMPOSSIBLE that their release could not have been a precursor to this very, very bad deal.
This past weekend I watched this episode on Netflix. I remember Bourdain’s comment at the end of the episode but assumed that it was sorted out. I was saddened to hear of this situation on the morning news. They were so enthusiastic about sharing their country and culture… The current generation of Iranian leaders were the student radicals from 1979… It’s time for them to let it go and move forward.
Years ago there was safety in being a reporter and reporting the news. There use to be safety for the UN, humanitarian workers and clergy. Those days are gone. Sad and very distressing.
Times like these I hate mankind and the destructive path they choose!! Espionage really?
Janshell, this topic is way over your head. Seriously.
On Mon, May 25, 2015 at 8:39 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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All I can do is keep praying.
Me, too, fivecats.
I loved that A.B. episode. Before I saw the A.B. episode, I had seen an episode of Rick Steves visiting Iran than was also super fantastic. When I lived in L.A. I had some Persian friends and found their culture to be on of my all time favorites. It is strange because in both episodes the Iranian people looked very peaceful and happy. I love the poetry, the food, the music, and the architecture, and the people of Iran so much. I was beyond happy to get to see Iran on T.V. It is beyond sad that in a land where the people seem so happy there is such harsh injustice.
Jane Grey — I was just about to post nearly the exact same thing; that Rick Steves episode and Anthony’s left me completely charmed by the people. The citizens near-universal love of poetry totally surprised me and brought about tons of fantastic discussions with friends and coworkers who also saw the show(s).
I had no idea about this story / situation and it makes me so sad for he and his wife. What a messy political scene playing out. If I see any petitions related to his release, I’m going to sign them! Thank you for sharing Tamara.
Has Yeganeh Salehi suggested what we Americans can do, or who to contact to voice our concerns? This poli stuff is up my alley.
She has been warned not to discuss the case and so is probably being very, very careful.
I’m thinking Americans shouldn’t start writing letters or getting involved at this point. It might hurt him more. Just my opinion.
Just wondering what could possibly be worse? They are facing imminent death.
Thank you for sharing this update (I watched the episode). I am so concerned as well. It was very interesting watching the Shahs when their trip to Turkey was happening. Everyone had a different take on it. I believe GG stated that she traveled to Iran often with her family and no problems. Lily said something kind of the same? Mike being a Jew was comfortable. The rest thought they could be arrested if they were to cross the border.
The new Breaking Borders show became concerning also,during the Egypt episode.
Hopefully awareness, any publicity at all will help Mr. Rezaian receive a fair hearing.
^Mike, uncomfortable
Best thing about this blog….. variety of topicsand comments. I wasn’t aware if this and am now following closely after reading. I love that I can hate on nene leakes, disparage Yankee posers and learn something new and important all in one place!
At least they are giving him a trial unlike some countries where they keep innocent people in prison for over a decade and then exile them. If he is innocent, he will be released.
Jarlarth, please sit quietly next to Janshell.
On Tue, May 26, 2015 at 1:34 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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<3 TT, somber topic but your no b.s. attitude, just made my morning. Wish more people cared to educate themselves about topics like this (instead of spending every waking moment posting selfies and worshiping the Kardashians) the world would be a better place.
Lol Tamara, so difficult to discuss real life issues with reality tv fans!
Yep. I selfishly needed a break from all the lunacy. 🙂 Even a tragic news story brings some mental reprieve.
On Tue, May 26, 2015 at 1:05 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I agree with your post & responses. Ive been following this since i saw it on A.B. If you have been following, his brother was at the journalist dinner/ obama’s roast not too long ago where the pres addressed rezas case and said they were trying to work on it amd havent forgotten about his brother.. There is alot of behind the scenes political issues going on both sides. Using Americans as pawns in the chess game is dangerous and not uncommon. Being an american born persian american its scary. In the US we have freedom of speech, in iran we dont. Even living here, my parents taught me never to express any politcal opnions on either side in public and carefully in private because you never know who is listening. Its true , esp. If you do go back to iran alot to visit family. Americans dont understand this. I almost got into deep shit & arrested when something slipped out of my mouth while traveling in iran and its scary. So, for yeganeh’s safety and the safety of her family in iran she has to keep her mouth shut. Its a mofia system there, no mercy. I hope he gets out safely and unharmed. I have no doubt he has been beaten and tortured somewhat while in prision and i hope he can get out like maziar did .
LOL.
Found innocent? It isn’t Captain Kangaroo; it’s a Kangaroo court. He will be sentenced to death or like the Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison.
I don’t think he could survive much more time in prison at all given his health and lack of nutrition. It’s all very sad. And so inhumane and pointless. John Kerry’s attempts at intervention have been lack luster at best. There are two other Americans in similar situations. The US government looks weak through all this while Obama is negotiating to let them have some semblance of a nuclear program. It’s all a clusterfuck.
On Tue, May 26, 2015 at 12:23 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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How fucking stupid have you ever admitted being? Seriously, to yourself. Does yourself know how insanely stupid you are?
Jarlath, I hope you’re young & naive. There is no way he’ll be released.
Here is the latest from Washington Post
Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian went on trial Tuesday on espionage and other charges in a closed Tehran courtroom more than 10 months after he was imprisoned, but the proceedings were adjourned without any indication of when they would resume.
The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported that Abolghassem Salavati , a judge known for draconian sentences, read the four-count indictment in a two-hour session in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court.
On Wed, May 27, 2015 at 4:09 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I remember thinking while I watched that “Parts Unknown” episode that Bourdain seemed to be aware that the visit & conversation with the couple would attract scrutiny by the careful way in which he worded his surrounding dialogue. There are petitions circulating on Rezaian’s behalf. His trial is scheduled to have begun today. Scary stuff.
Please write more stories such as this, you’re a gifted writer and public interest as well as reality tv, lol. Will follow this! Xoxoxo
I watched this episode when it aired. Part of my Sunday night ritual- and yes, my husband knows I would “do” AB as one of my secret boyfriends. I recall being concerned about their well being. I called my few Persian friends who fled in the 80’s, under the Shah. It is where I expected it to be. Thank you for trying to get us out of our shallow HW hole. God, these people matter. Their stories matter. Please educate yourself. Oh, and freedom isn’t free.
At his first hearing Tuesday, Iran’s semiofficial Mehr news agency reported that a Farsi translation of the letter Rezaian wrote to Obama was read aloud. The agency said one passage read: “In Iran, I’m in contact with simple laborers to influential mullahs.”
Mehr said the letter also talked about Rezaian’s “network of contacts inside Iran.” The agency also reported Judge Abolghassem Salavati questioned Rezaian about his contact with the U.S. Consulate in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Rezaian’s brother, Ali Rezaian, earlier told The Associated Press in Washington the letter was an online form letter his brother wrote after Obama’s election in 2008 and that he visited the consulate to get a U.S. visa for his wife.
Mehr said Rezaian rejected the charges against him during the hearing.
“I’m only a journalist,” Mehr quoted Rezaian as saying. “All my activities were as a journalist and all were legal.”
Salehi (Jason’s wife) has been barred from traveling abroad, the Post said, adding that its requests for a visa for a senior editor to travel to Iran went unanswered.Last week, Rezaian’s lawyer said Salehi, who is a reporter for The National newspaper in the United Arab Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi, and a freelance photographer who worked for foreign media, also will stand trial. The photographer’s name has not been made public.
Read the whole article on CBS here
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jason-rezaian-trial-letter-to-obama-cited-at-washington-post-reporters-trial-in-iran/
NYT interviewed to two (idiot) American hikers who decided to hike in Iran, or just stupidly wandered over the border. They had the same judge and give some insight to Jason’s situation. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/28/world/middleeast/as-jason-rezaian-stands-trial-in-iran-former-prisoners-share-their-experiences.html?_r=0
“He didn’t smile when I winked at him”? Is this guy serious?
It doesn’t sound like a laughing matter to me.
I didn’t know what to make of that. These two are BOTH idiots who were dumb enough to wander in the mountains of Iran with no visa or permission to enter the country.
But it gives a tiny bit of insight to the prison situation.
On Thu, May 28, 2015 at 2:40 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I keep trying to imagine myself in that situation. A foreign country, that is hostile towards Americans, accused of espionage. The last thing I would do would be to wink at anyone in that court.
But then, I wouldn’t put myself in that situation in the first place. The journalist had a legitimate reason for being there. These idiots did not.
Exactly, the journalist is a dual citizen. The fact that he has an American citizen ship is why he is in all this trouble. They are using him as a bargaining chip over the whole nuclear drama.
On Thu, May 28, 2015 at 4:10 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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Thank you for reposting TT — I will do my part, signing and messaging on the internets. I wonder if the Sun. political shows will feature this? That might happen if they could just stop yammering about Trump.
No Trump is way more impotent.
Sigh
Please RT all my tweets to Obama….and well all of them.
On Sun, Aug 9, 2015 at 3:38 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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In my attempt at self preservation, I glossed over most of the details of the Iran deal (so very disappointed in this administrations WEAK foreign policy). My mistake. This man and his colleagues should have been at the top of the negotiating tier, even sub rosa. If our citizens have no support, what is the point of government? I know the situation is not about me, yet this has left me unhinged this morning, on so many levels.
Another point to make that Obama does not and has never had the best interests of this nation and it’s citizens at heart. This man should have been a big part of that deal, I am saddened and disgusted. The Iran deal never should have been done in the first place. And to the moron who said at least he is getting a trial… please, please educate your self before you open your mouth
TT, I know you understand but do others understand the Joint Comprehensive Plan was the United States, United Kingdom, China, European Union, France, Germany, Russia.
The United States was part of a team.
They are trying to give Iran a chance to choose peace. If Iran breaks the agreement the repercussion will be on them.
Was the United States willing to walk away from negotiations over this man? That is a tough call for the United States. it could had come to that if he was part of the deal.
Our allies don’t have the same concerns over a dual citizen that is not their own.
That would had given Iran another bargaining chip that our allies might not appreciate.
I don’t know anything factually but that makes sense to me.
Just a different point of view!
Please don’t shoot me.
This.
I won’t shoot you but the countries working on the deal are: the United Kingdom, Russia, France, China, + Germany. France and Germany urged the US not to deal with Iran, but onward Kerry went with Obama’s approval. They think this is their Nobel Prize moment. One of Iran’s top generals, who claims responsibility for the deaths of 500 of our military, immediately flew to Russia to celebrate our capitulation. Oh, and when Gen. Soleimani flew to Russia, it coincided with Russia’s cyber attack on our Joint Chiefs. But, hey, that was last week.
It just doesn’t portend peace to me.
TT…. I have nothing to add, I just want to thank you for covering this.
I’m sorry that I didn’t realize this was an older post and I jumped in with both feet. I believe this must have been posted when my computer died and I felt like I was, too. Sorry if I have come across as an idiot. I can be quite the nut.
Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian appeared in a Tehran court Monday for the expected final session in his espionage trial, as a thaw in Iranian relations with the West has raised hopes for American prisoners’ release there.
The closed-door session, the trial’s fourth, took place at the city’s Islamic Revolutionary Court. The official Islamic Republic News Agency quoted his lawyer, Leila Ahsan, as saying that a verdict would be issued within a week.
“I presented defenses against the charges verbally, and those parts that were left unsaid were submitted to the court,” she said.
But Washington Post executive editor Martin Baron said Monday that the trial ended with no indication of what would happen next, or any official word on when a verdict might come.
“The process has been anything but transparent and just, and that pattern persists,” he said. “The only thing that is clear is Jason’s innocence.”
http://www.wsj.com/articles/washington-post-reporter-jason-rezaian-appears-in-iranian-court-1439206639
No photos, no verdict. 🙁