Jason Rezaian discusses his time in an Iranian prison
This week's episode of "The Takeout" podcast features a conversation between colleagues and friends. CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent Major Garrett spoke to journalist Jason Rezaian, who was imprisoned in Iran for over a year. Rezaian recently released a book about his experiences called "Prisoner."
Rezaian was held in captivity for 544 days and released on Jan. 16, 2016. He and Garrett talked about a question Garrett asked then-President Barack Obama in 2015.
Garrett asked Obama during a press conference why he was "content" with the newly-negotiated Iran Nuclear Deal that left four Americans trapped in Iran, referring to Rezaian and three others.
"Major, that's nonsense. You know better," Obama said at the time.
Rezaian thanked Garrett for challenging the deal and bringing the issue of prisoners in Iran to the forefront.
"It brought our names closer to the top of the agenda. And that was something that I knew, while I languished there in prison, was absolutely essential," Rezaian said, adding that there are still Americans imprisoned in Iran whose names are not being heard.
"It was a massive part of creating more awareness around us, creating more urgency around us," Rezaian said of Garrett's question, adding that the Americans still imprisoned should be kept in mind.
Rezaian also discussed his treatment while he was trapped in the prison, including weeks in solitary confinement.
"I spent a lot of time pacing, and counting my paces across the cell, many hours a day. I made a lot of mental lists," Rezaian said about how he whiled away his time. "Your whole life is the cell and the inane, insane interrogations."
Rezaian also talked about American policy with regard to Iran and his recovery after being released.
For more of Major's conversation with Jason Rezaian, download "The Takeout" podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify. New episodes are available every Friday morning. Also, you can watch "The Takeout" on CBSN Friday at 5pm, 9pm, and 12am ET and Saturday at 1pm, 9pm, and 12am ET. For a full archive of "The Takeout" episodes, visit www.takeoutpodcast.com. And you can listen to "The Takeout" on select CBS News Radio affiliates (check your local listings).
Producers: Arden Farhi, Katiana Krawchenko, Jamie Benson and Sara Cook
CBSN Production: Alex Zuckerman, Eric Soussanin and Grace Segers
Show email: TakeoutPodcast@cbsnews.com
Twitter: @TakeoutPodcast
Instagram: @TakeoutPodcast
Facebook: Facebook.com/TakeoutPodcast
