Meanwhile Maziar Bahari, an Iranian-Canadian who freelanced for Newsweek, is another prominent intellectual now sitting in an Iranian prison.

CNN: Reporter held for 21 days in Iranian jails

Those on trial include Newsweek reporter Maziar Bahari, who has dual citizenship in Iran and Canada, and Kian Tajbakhsh, an Iranian-American scholar.

CNN: Clinton says trial shows Iran 'is afraid of its own people'

Maziar Bahari, 42, made his alleged confession at a news conference Tuesday.

CNN: Iran frees British embassy worker, leaving 1 jailed