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               Trial of US Journalist Held in Iran Set for May 26

   by VOA News

   A U.S. reporter jailed in Iran for nearly a year on charges that
   include espionage is due to appear in court next week.

   State media said Tuesday the trial of Jason Rezaian, the Washington
   Post's bureau chief in Tehran, would begin May 26.

   The French news agency quoted his lawyer as saying Rezaian would appear
   along with his wife and a third person who were all detained together
   last July in Tehran, and that the trial would begin the same day if
   there is time.

   The United States, press freedom groups and the Washington Post have
   all criticized Rezaian's continued detention, which included nine
   months without being charged. His family and Post Executive Editor
   Marty Baron also described restrictions on Rezaian being allowed to
   meet with a lawyer.

   Last month, State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said the four
   alleged crimes are "patently absurd," and the White House said they
   should be dismissed.

   If convicted, Rezaian is facing a maximum of 10 to 20 years in prison.

   He was arrested along with his wife, journalist Yeganeh Salehi, after
   security forces raided their home in Tehran.  Salehi was last released
   on bail, but Rezaian remains in custody.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/trial-of-us-journalist-held-in-iran-s
   et-for-may-26/2777036.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/trial-of-us-journalist-held-in-iran-set-for-may-26/2777036.html