[JURIST] An Iranian Revolutionary Court [BBC backgrounder] on Monday convicted [WP report] Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian [advocacy website], approximately two months [JURIST report] after the end of his trial. Rezaian was accused of espionage for allegedly collecting confidential information, handing it to hostile governments and acting against national security. However, it is unclear on exactly which charges he was convicted or if he was notified about his conviction. Martin Baron, Washington Post executive editor, said [press release] that, “Iran has behaved unconscionably throughout this case” and:

The only thing that has ever been clear about this case is Jason’s innocence. Any fair and just review would quickly overturn this unfounded verdict. Jason should be exonerated and released; he and his wife, Yeganeh Salehi, who has been out on bail, should both be granted, without delay, the full freedom that is their right.

Rezaian is still awaiting sentencing and faces between 10 and 20 years. He will be able to appeal his conviction within 20 days.

Rezaian’s trial began [JURIST report] in late May after an announcement by the Tehran court that all proceedings would be closed to the public [WP report], including interested family members. Rezaian’s case is particularly sensitive as it falls in the midst of Iran’s ongoing nuclear negotiations [BBC report] with the West.