After being detained for more than 554 days, two American hikers accused of espionage are scheduled to face trial Sunday in Iran.
The trail of three American hikers accused of being spies began in Iran Sunday. The young friends pleaded not guilty to charges of espionage and trespassing, according to Iranian state television.
Shafii said illegal entry into Iran could carry a penalty of between 18 months and three years and was upbeat about the chances for a no guilty verdict or a sentence which would see them released.
Iran held them on suspicion of spying, a crime which can carry the death penalty.
Iran barred international observers and journalists from the opening of the trial. It also banned Switzerland's ambassador, Livia Leu Agosti, who represents U.S. interests in Iran.
The Independent reports that the defendants' lawyer was not allowed to meet with the men until a few hours before the trial began. However, The New York Times reports that the lawyer did not get any chance to meet with his clients.
irregardless of my opinions on the stupidity of hiking along the Iran border,. it seems to me that the media and administration has abandoned them...