The health of detained Iranian-American journalist Jason Rezaian has deteriorated in the past few weeks, sources have told VOA.
Rezaian has been detained in Iran since July 22, when he, his wife and two other American journalists were taken into custody. No formal charges have been announced against them.
Rezaian's wife, Yeganeh Salehi, a correspondent for the Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National, was freed on bail about five weeks ago for reasons that have never been publicly explained.
Sources told VOA that Rezaian’s physical and mental condition had deteriorated since his wife’s release. They said Rezaian, 38, had several untreated health issues, including a serious eye infection that doctors were concerned could lead to blindness.
Given his extended detention, Rezaian’s psychological situation has worsened, they said, leading to fears that he could become clinically depressed.
Rezaian, a U.S. citizen born and raised in California, also holds Iranian nationality. He was based in Tehran as the bureau chief for the Washington Post.