The final hearing in Iran's secretive trial against Jason Rezaian will take place on Monday, offering a new hope that the jailed Washington Post journalist will be released soon.
Rezaian has been in Iranian custody for more than a year. Authorities have accused him of espionage, but have provided no proof. The Post has categorically denied the allegations.
Post executive editor Marty Baron, who has called the trial a "sham" and the treatment of Rezaian a "travesty," said Saturday that "Jason's lawyer, Leila Ahsan, has been told that closed-door proceedings will resume on Monday in Iran's Revolutionary Court, and that this will be the final hearing before a verdict is reached."
Baron called this a "critical moment" in the case.
"We call again on Iran's Revolutionary Court, even at this late date, to demonstrate fairness and justice that could only result in Jason's acquittal and immediate release," he said Saturday. "The end of this 'judicial process' presents Iran with an opportunity to bring this nightmare to a long-overdue and humane resolution, by exonerating Jason and his wife, Yeganeh, and allowing them the freedom that is their right."
Journalists all around the world have joined The Post in calling for Rezaian's release.
Rezaian was detained in July 2014. For months he wasn't even told of any charges against him. Eventually, in May, a secretive hearing was held in Tehran. Two others have been held since then; Monday's hearing will be the fourth.
Baron said there has not even been "a hint of basic due process" in the case.
At times Rezaian has seemed like a pawn in a geopolitical face-off.
In recent weeks Rezaian's supporters have become guardedly optimistic that the recently-announced nuclear accord between Iran and five world powers will help ease the way toward his release.
Related: Iran nuke deal gives hope to Jason Rezaian's family
Some observers have even depicted Rezaian as a "hostage" of Iran, though Baron and Rezaian's family members have not gone that far.
Diplomatic officials in the United States have said that they will continue to press for Rezaian's freedom. In a speech last month, President Obama mentioned Rezaian and other Americans "who are unjustly detained in Iran."
"Journalist Jason Rezaian should be released," Obama said.
