[JURIST] Prominent Iranian-American scholar Dr. Haleh Esfandiari [WWC profile] is being held and investigated by the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and National Security for "security" crimes, a spokesperson for Iran's judiciary [official website] said Tuesday. The spokesman did not provide details, but told reporters that "the latest information I have from the judge handling the case is that the investigation... is on-going."

Esfandiari was formally arrested on May 7 and has been detained at the notorious Evin Prison [BBC backgrounder]. Iran confirmed the arrest of Esfandiari [JURIST report] Sunday, following months of alleged interrogation after Esfandiari was prevented from leaving the country. On Saturday, a state-controlled hardliner newspaper accused Esfandiari of working with the United States and Israel in plotting to overthrow the Iranian government. AP has more. AFP has additional coverage.