Iran to open spy trial of US hikers in November

• Source: Global Times
• [03:06 October 21 2010]
• Comments

Iran will begin trying three US hikers for espionage November 6, their lawyer told AFP Wednesday, as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said earlier that there was no basis for a trial.

Two of the three - Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer - have been held in a Tehran jail for more than a year, while their female companion, Sarah Shourd, was released on bail of around $500,000 last month.

"It is true that on November 6 their trial will start at 10 am," Masoud Shafii said, adding that judge Abolqasem Salavati will preside over proceedings.

Iranian Intelligence Minister Heyder Moslehi confirmed the trial.

"The three are accused of espionage and illegally entering the country," Moslehi told the ISNA News Agency, adding that it was up to the family of Shourd to decide whether she should attend the trial.

Clinton told reporters Tuesday that she had heard Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal would be tried on November 6 but she still hoped they would be released.

"We do not believe that there is any basis whatsoever for them to be put on trial and we regret that they and their families are being subjected to a criminal system that we do not think in any way reflects their actions," she said. "It's unfortunate" the pair had been held for more than a year.

Agencies