Family of Rezaian Concerned About 'Devastating Consequences' of Prison on His Health

The Washington Post reports that family members of Jason Rezaian, the detained journalist in Tehran, are worried about the severe effects of prison on his physical and especially mental health. On December 10, the Washington Post stated that concerns about Mr. Rezaian's physical and mental condition in prison have led his family to provide more details on the matter. They say that more than his physical health, his mental health is at risk: 'Due to almost complete isolation and uncertainty about how long this bitter experience will last.' The uncertain situation regarding Jason Rezaian has increased with reports about his 'indictment' and the extension of his detention. The news of Mr. Rezaian's indictment has also drawn a response from John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, who expressed 'deep despair and concern' about the situation. More than 140 days have passed since Jason Rezaian's detention. According to the Washington Post, citing family members, he suffers from an eye infection that could seriously damage his vision. At the same time, it has been reported that inflammation in his groin has increased to the point where he sometimes struggles to stand. He is also suffering from back pain due to the conditions of his cell, for which the Washington Post states he is not receiving medication. Ali Rezaian, the journalist's brother, told the Washington Post, 'We are in a new situation every day... No Western journalist has been detained for this long. This has devastating effects on his physical and mental health.' While he has been denied contact with the outside world for a long time, he was able to call his mother in America on Thanksgiving Day. Mari Boroumand Rezaian, Jason Rezaian's mother, said, 'We tried to talk about the past and previous Thanksgivings, but we couldn't stop crying.' Jason Rezaian was arrested at the end of July along with his wife, Yeganeh Salehi, and two others. Other detainees, except for this Washington Post journalist, have been released. The charges against Jason Rezaian are still unclear. In addition to U.S. political figures, international NGOs such as Human Rights Watch and the Washington Post have also called for his release. The U.S. Secretary of State has stated that he understands the Rezaian family's concerns about reports that he has been under physical and psychological pressure during his detention and has not received appropriate medical care. In this context, Larijani accused Jason Rezaian of engaging in 'security-threatening activities.' The U.S. has again called for Jason Rezaian's release, while the cultural deputy of the judiciary stated that his release is not imminent. John Kerry expressed 'deep concern' regarding the investigation process of Jason Rezaian's case.