Texas student on trail in Iran

An Iranian doctoral student, studying optics at the University of Texas, went on trial Tuesday in Tehran on charges of  ‘communicating with a hostile foreign country’, ” and receiving ‘illegitimate funds’, his lawyer said. The charges are covered by various news sources.

29-year old Omid Kokabee was arrested nine months ago at Tehran airport and is in jail since then. “Although we don’t know all the facts of this case, we do know that Mr. Kokabee is serious about his graduate studies, well regarded by his colleagues and a valued member of the UT community”, the University of Texas said in a statement.

The University of Texas received a lot of criticism. The university is criticized for its failure to generate public awareness of Kokabee’s condition and to protect international students. Many Iranian students are studying in the U.S., despite the fact that the two countries have no diplomatic relations.

More than 800 people have signed an online petition for Kokabee’s immediate & unconditional release.