Canadian Loses Appeal on 19-Year Sentence in Iran

Hossein Derakshan's attempt to warm relations between Israel and Iran will see him imprisoned until 2029.

A Canadian journalist considered the father of Iran's blogging movement will remain in an Iranian prison for another 18 years after his appeal to have his sentence shortened was denied. Hossein Derakhshan, 35, has been in Iranian custody since 2008 because he visited Israel – which Iran considers to be an enemy state – to foster dialogue between the two countries. He was convicted of aiding enemies last year, and, following his failed appeal, his fate remains up in the air. His partner says the 19-year sentence is the longest ever handed down to a journalist in Iran. Derakhshan, also known by his online alias, Hoder, had lived in Toronto since moving there from Iran in 2000, and maintains both Canadian and Iranian citizenship.