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New hearing begins for Washington Post reporter held in Iran

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ASSOCIATED PRESS
In this photo April 11

TEHRAN, Iran » The trial of a Washington Post reporter detained in Iran more than a year ago and charged with espionage resumed on Monday. His lawyer said it would likely be the final session before a verdict is issued in the case, which has been condemned by the newspaper and press freedom groups.

The official IRNA news agency said the fourth closed-door hearing in the trail of Jason Rezaian, who has American and Iranian citizenship, had begun, without providing further details. Rezaian is being tried by a Revolutionary Court, which hears sensitive cases, including those related to national security.

His lawyer, Leila Ahsan, told The Associated Press over the weekend that Monday’s hearing would likely be the last, and would be given over to the defense. She said it would likely be a couple of weeks before the court announces a verdict, which can be appealed.

Rezaian’s mother, Mary, sitting outside the courtroom with his wife, Yeganeh Salehi, told the Associated Press that she also expects Monday’s session will be the last. The trial began in May.

Rezaian, Salehi, and two photojournalists were detained on July 22, 2014, in Tehran. All were later released except Rezaian, who reportedly faces up to 10 to 20 years in prison if convicted on charges that include espionage and distributing propaganda against the Islamic Republic.

The Post, the U.S. government and press freedom organizations have criticized his trial.

Salehi, a journalist for The National newspaper in the United Arab Emirates, reportedly has been banned from leaving Iran.

U.S. officials have pressed for the release of Rezaian and other Americans detained in Iran, but their cases were not included in a landmark nuclear deal reached with Tehran last month.

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