Thirty Iranian activists have written an open letter to President Hassan Rohani calling for his support in securing the release of jailed journalist brothers Massoud and Khosro Kordpour.

The Mokerian News Agency reports that the activists have called on the president to demand a review of the brothers’ files. The president has no authority over judicial orders; however, it is believed that Intelligence Ministry reports are influential in political and security matters.

Three days ago, six Kurdish MPs made an unprecedented move, imploring the president in a letter to arrange for the review of the Kordpour brothers’ cases.

The brothers had their first trial session on August 3 in Mahabad, where they defended themselves against charges of “enmity against God, corruption on earth, propaganda against the regime and insulting the leader.” Both brothers emphasized their role as journalists and the legitimacy of their journalistic activities.

Khosro Kordpour was arrested last March and his brother was arrested two days later.

Radio Zamaneh