Iran begins 'private' trial of Washington Post journalist

The trial of a Washington Post journalist, who has been accused of espionage by Iran and imprisoned for almost 10 months, has begun behind closed doors in Tehran.

Jason Rezaian, a dual US-Iranian citizen, who was accused of passing information to "hostile governments," could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted, reports the BBC.

A statement released by The Washington Post's editor termed the trial shameful and condemned the decision to hold it in private. It also pointed out that Rezaian was arrested without charge, kept in Iran's notorious Evin prison, placed in isolation for months and was also denied medical care he needed.