544 Days

Evan Gershkovich is based in Moscow for the Wall Street Journal. Most recently, he was writing about how the war in Ukraine is changing Russian society and the shockwaves that conflict is having on the economy. But on March 29th, Russian authorities detained Evan and are holding him in a notorious prison under allegations of espionage. With the parallels to our story in “544 Days,” we want to share this update.Ever since this show was released, Jason Rezaian has been following cases of journalists and other Americans around the world who are being targeted by authoritarian autocratic regimes. You can find that coverage here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/jason-rezaian/This episode originally aired on “The Journal.” You can listen to new episodes every weekday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reflecting on their traumatic imprisonment in Iran, the podcast explores the impact it had on their personal life and the struggle to return to normal. They also discuss the issue of political hostages and controversial payments. Challenging the government and adjusting to a new home are highlighted, as well as nostalgia for childhood and becoming a mother.

After enduring a year and a half in prison, Jason's odyssey begins as Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps attempts to disrupt his and Yegi's escape. The podcast discusses the capture of US naval ships, the infamous pallets of cash sent to Iran, intense negotiations for Yegi's release, a tense period of uncertainty, and the bittersweet realization of leaving Iran.

Former editor of The Washington Post, Marty Baron, along with diplomat Brett McGurk, former Homeland Security Advisor Lisa Monaco, former Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, and former Secretary of State John Kerry discuss the pressure on Iran as the nuclear deal approaches. Topics include skepticism about a potential prisoner exchange, fighting for freedom through advocacy and negotiation, and the shocking revelation of a missing spouse.

Former Secretary of State John Kerry, Former Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, Former Executive Editor of The Washington Post Marty Baron, and Foreign Affairs Reporter for The Washington Post Carol Morello discuss the challenges faced by Jason and Mary Rezaian in the Tehran courtroom known as the 'Judge of Death'. Topics include negotiations for a prisoner swap, working with lawyers and lobbying for support, waiting for the trial, experiencing a sham trial, and fragile negotiations surrounding the Iran nuclear deal.

The public effort to free Jason gains new life with #FreeJason and support from Muhammad Ali and Anthony Bourdain. The U.S. government secretly negotiates his release. The narrator discusses their belief in Jason's innocence and the challenges faced during secret negotiations to secure the release of American prisoners.

The podcast explores the challenges of negotiating the release of a hostage in the midst of high-stakes nuclear talks. It touches on the aftermath of prison release, the consequences of hidden letters, a Thanksgiving phone call from prison, and a mother's unconventional behavior to secure her son's release.

Jason's journey from arrest to release in an Iranian prison, the instrumental role of his brother in securing his freedom, reactions of friends and family to his arrest, a fresh start in Tehran and Istanbul followed by detainment, the bitter feeling of leaving his husband behind after release, and reflecting on a long phone call and acknowledgements.

Jason and Yegi endure solitary confinement and cruel interrogations in an Iranian prison. The captors manipulate and make false accusations, causing the narrator to question their arrest. They reflect on the power dynamics and their interactions with interrogator Kazem. The challenges of prison life include sleeplessness and loss of appetite, but a surprising advertisement for Instacart interrupts their thoughts. A reunion between two individuals in prison is described, along with their limited means of communication and poor prison food. The speaker expresses their desire for a baby and reflects on what the reunion could mean for their future. Mary Resian's mission to secure her child's release faces unexpected challenges, leaving a cliffhanger for the next episode.

The podcast discusses the harrowing experience of Jason Rezaian, a journalist who was imprisoned in Iran. It covers their life as a journalist in Iran, their Kickstarter project for Iran's first avocado farm, and the risky move they made that led to their arrest. The podcast also explores their imprisonment in Evin Prison and the tension and uncertainty surrounding the hostage negotiation for their release.