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December 15, 2009

Iran to Try Jailed US Hikers
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The Iranian government has announced plans to try three Americans
detained after mistakenly hiking into Iran earlier this year. It’s
unclear when the trial will begin or what charges will be applied. Last
month an Iranian prosecutor accused the three of espionage. On Monday,
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton rejected Iran’s charges.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: “The three young people who were
detained by the Iranians have absolutely no connection with any kind of
action against the Iranian state or government. In fact, they were out
hiking and unfortunately, apparently, allegedly walked across an
unmarked boundary. We appeal to the Iranian leadership to release these
three young people and free them as soon as possible.”

Iran’s announcement comes days after it called on the US to release
eleven Iranian citizens it says are jailed in US prisons.



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