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February 7, 2011

Trial Begins in Iran for Three Hikers 
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In Iran, the trial has begun for three American hikers who were arrested
in June 2009 on spying charges after they allegedly crossed into Iran
from Iraq. Freelance journalist Shane Bauer and his friend Josh Fatal
have been detained for 18 months. Bauer's fiancée Sarah Shourd spent 14
months in jail before being released on bail in September. Last week she
was summoned to Iran for the trial but remains in the United States. All
three have pleaded not guilty. During the trial, Shane Bauer said they
were arrested while vacationing in the region.

Shane Bauer: "I was in Iraq and Kurdistan as a tourist with my fiancée
Sarah, Josh, and our friend Sean."

Masoud Shafii, an attorney for the three, complained about the
proceedings because he was not allowed to meet with his clients until
just before the trial began.

Masoud Shafii: "At this stage of the case, despite repeated requests, I
have still not had permission to see Shane or Josh. However, we have
spoken to the judge, who has arranged for me to have access to Shane and
Josh one or two hours before the 10:00 a.m. trial."



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