By Eric C. Sigmund
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
TEHRAN, Iran – Proceedings began today in the Revolutionary Court in Tehran for the three American hikers arrested in Iran on July 31, 2009. The three reportedly crossed an unmarked border into Iran while hiking in the mountainous region of Iraqi Kurdistan. 32 year-old Sarah Shourd, was released back to the United States on bail for health concerns but has been called back to Iran for the trial. The other two hikers, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, both 28, have been detained since their arrest over 18 months ago. Their lawyer, Masoud Shafii, reported yesterday that a judge had denied his request to visit his clients on the eve of trial.
The U.S. government has repeatedly called for the release of Bauer and Fattal and this event has hardened the U.S.’ stance towards Iran. The trial comes at a time when tensions between the two countries are at a high due to continued failure of nuclear program talks. Human rights groups have loudly criticized the arrest and detention of these three U.S. citizens and demanded their release. Other notable figures have also been prohibited from seeing the proceedings including Swiss Ambassador Livia Leu Agosti who has close relations with the United States.
No evidence has been supplied by the government of Iran to support its allegations. The hiker’s lawyer has predicted that the three will not be convicted; “I’m pretty sure they won’t be convicted because [the trial] doesn’t have any legal justification.” Shafii noted that the issue of spying is “irrelevant” but said the hikers could be conviction for illegal entry. Their entry into the country was inadvertent however, since the border was unmarked remarked Shafii. The change of illegal entry carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.
Shourd did not respond to the court’s request to appear today. Iranian officials have said the trial will continue and that she will be tried in absentia. It is reported that Bauer and Fattal both pled “not guilty” as the trial began. Their lawyer also put in a plea of “not guilty” for the absent Shourd.
For more information, please see:
BBC Middle East – Three U.S. ‘Hikers’ Accused of Iran Spying Go On Trial – Feb. 6, 2011
Christian Science Monitor – Iran Kicks Off Espionage Trial of U.S. Hikers – Feb. 6, 2011
Reuters Africa – Two Americans Deny Spy Charges in Iranian Court – Feb. 6, 2011
Voice of America – Reports: Iran Opens Trial of U.S. Hikers Accused of Spying – Feb. 6, 2011
CNN World – U.S. Hikers to Stand Trial Sunday in Iran – Feb. 5, 2011
