Iran: 3 American Hikers to Go on Trial
Monday, December 14 2009
 Map of Iran (file photo)The Iranian foreign minister says the three American hikers held in Iran after crossing the border with Iraq will stand trial.
Manouchehr Mottaki did not say when the proceedings would begin during a news conference Monday in Tehran. He said the Americans entered Iran with "suspicious aims." Iran has accused them of espionage.
The three U.S. citizens were detained on July 31 for entering Iran illegally, after they apparently strayed across the border while on a hike in northern Iraq.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said Washington believes there is no evidence to support any charge against the hikers. She has appealed to Iranian authorities to exercise compassion and free the trio.
Iran and the United States have no diplomatic relations, and are embroiled in a dispute over Iran's nuclear program.
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