Washington Post reporter charged with espionage in Iran

A former Washington Post Tehran bureau chief imprisoned in Iran for months has been charged with espionage and other crimes, the paper said Monday.

In addition to espionage, Jason Rezaian had been charged with “collaborating with hostile governments” and “propaganda against the establishment.”

{mosads}Authorities allege that he gathered classified information “about internal and foreign policy,” reportedly claiming that Rezaian wrote to President Obama.

The White House quickly condemned Iran’s actions on Monday.

“If the reports are true, these charges are absurd, should be immediately dismissed and Jason should be freed and immediately so he can return home to his family,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said.

Rezaian’s lawyer also denied the allegations.

“Jason is a journalist, and it is in the nature of his profession to gain access to information and publish them,” his lawyer, Leilah Ahsan, said in a statement shared with the Post. “My client, however, has never had any direct or indirect access to classified information to share with anyone.”

Rezaian was arrested nine months ago and is being held in a prison used for political prisoners by the Iranian regime.

Ahsan met with Rezaian for 90 minutes on Monday, according to the Post.

Rezaian’s case has drawn attention as the U.S. tries to reach a deal with Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program. The journalist was one of the four U.S. citizens imprisoned by Iran who President Obama said should be released in March.

This story was updated at 3:04 p.m.

Jordan Fabian contributed.