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Iran to try 3 Americans who crossed Iraqi border

Associated Press - December 14, 2009 6:34 AM ET

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran's foreign minister says three Americans jailed since crossing the border from Iraq in July will go on trial.

Manouchehr Mottaki did not say when proceedings would begin or specify the charge, but in November authorities accused the Americans of spying. The foreign minister's comments were the first clear indication that Iran plans to put them on trial.

Mottaki said at a news conference Monday that the Americans had "suspicious aims." But relatives and the U.S government say Shane Bauer, Nora Shourd and Josh Fattal were innocent tourists on an adventure hike in northern Iraq and accidentally crossed into Iran, where they were arrested on July 31.

The hikers have family in California, Colorado, Minnesota and Pennsylvania.

On the Net:

Free the Hikers: http://freethehikers.org/

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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