Verdict expected in American “spy” case

09/05/11 22:53 CET

world news

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Three Americans arrested in Iran in 2009 on spying charges are expected the hear a verdict on Wednesday, according to their lawyer.

Two of them, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, are still in custody in Tehran. A third, Sarah Shourd, was released on $500,000 bail. Their lawyer, Masoud Shafiee, has been denied a private meeting with the two men.

“During the period that they have been detained, I have requested private meetings with my clients…so that I can provide a defence. I should have a conversation with my clients. Now if Sarah was not out, I would have nothing at hand”.

The lawyer has spoken weekly to Sarah Shourd, but he says it is unlikely she will come back to Iran for the verdict.

The three were hiking in mountains in Iraq when they were arrested for crossing over in to Iran.

All of them deny the charges. They said at the time that if they did cross into Iran, it was accidental.

Espionage can carry the death penalty in Iran.

More about: Diplomatic tension, Iran, Trial, USA

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