The families call for unconditional release of the three US citizens who crossed the border from Iraq into Iran
Tehran, Dec. 28, 09 (Hamsayeh.Net) - An Iranian lawyer Masoud Shafie will represent the three Americans who crossed the border illegally into Iran. The families of Americans charged with espionage told agencies that they have hired a lawyer to hopefully release Shane Bauer, Jashua Fattal and Sarah Emily.
The trio were arrested after crossing the border from Iraq to Iran in Kurdistan region. Iranian prosecutors said they were charged with espionage. Iraq soon after being attacked by the American military was inundated with tens of thousands of military personnel as well as tens of thousands of private contractors performing various tasks for the US army. Moreover, the area in Kurdistan province in Iraq despite its natural beauty is an odd location for non-natives or even natives themselves to go about pleasure hunting in mountainous terrains.
The families of the Americans issued a statement saying they hoped the Iranian authorities will release the three Americans ‘without further delay’ or any need for trial. ‘It is essential for our loved ones to have proper legal representation and we are pleased that Mr. Shafie has agreed to work on their behalf,’ the families said.
Iran’s top official said the Americans were found to have ‘suspicious intentions’ in crossing the border and would stand trial. ‘The three American citizens will be tried by Iran's judiciary system and relevant judiciary verdicts regarding their cases will be issued,' Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said.
