Statement on Jason Rezaian trial by National Press Club

Following is a statement by John Hughes, President of the National Press Club, on the conclusion of what is expected to be the fourth and final trial session for Jason Rezaian of The Washington Post.

"Four times in the last year Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian has been brought from prison to a secret trial session in Revolutionary Court in Tehran to be tried on absurd charges. We understand that today was the fourth and last trial session and the first one where Jason's lawyer was allowed to make a defense. As we have done in the past, we continue to call on Iran to free Jason.

Just a few days ago, on July 29 the National Press Club honored Jason for his work as a journalist with one of our most prestigious awards. Before the Washington journalism community, Jason's family and his colleagues, we congratulated him for outstanding work in his profession. In the next few days you may hear the Iranian Court challenge Jason's standing as a journalist to justify the fact that they have held him in prison without evidence for a year. Please know that we at the National Press Club have quite the opposite view on this matter. Jason is a journalist. He is one that should be recognized. His detention has been, and continues to be, unjust.

Now that the trial has concluded our 3,100 members look forward to the Revolutionary Court swiftly releasing Jason to his family."

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club fights for press freedom worldwide.