Boxing legend Muhammad Ali has appeal to Iran to free jailed journalist

American boxing legend Muhammad Ali has called on Iranian officials to release a Washington Post reporter, Jason Rezaianwho has been imprisoned since July.

Jason Rezaian was arrested at home in Tehran on July 22 with his wife, Iranian reporter Yeganeh Salehi. She was eventually released on bail; but Rezaian an American-born dual national was detained at the Tehran’s Evin Prison.

Jason Rezaian has been detained for more than 230 days but the Iranian government has not publicly identified the nature of the charges against him.

In a statement from the boxer which was released on the morning of Thursday, March 12, he appealed to the government and judiciary of Iran to release the journalist.

Below is his Full Statement;

With the Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful

I am sorry that I cannot be physically present to lend my support in person but I pray my words will provide relief to the efforts to secure the release of Jason Rezaian.

Insha’Allah, it is my great hope that the government and judiciary of Iran will end the prolonged detention of journalist Jason Rezaian and provide him with access to all of his legal options. During his time as the Washington Post bureau chief in Tehran, Jason used his gift of writing and intimate knowledge of the country to share the stories of the people and culture of Iran to the world.

To my knowledge Jason is a man of peace and great faith, a man whose dedication and respect for the Iranian people is evident in his work.

I support his family, friends and colleagues in their efforts to obtain his release.

[pulseng]