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Iran Accuses American Hikers of Espionage

Opinion on 3 arrested in July 'in the not distant future:' prosecutor

By the Associated Press

Posted Nov 9, 2009 8:23 AM CST
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(AP) – The three American hikers detained by Iran in July have been accused of espionage, a senior Iranian prosecutor says. The three, who the US maintains were on a hiking vacation in Iraq when they accidentally strayed across the poorly-marked border, "have been accused" and the investigation is ongoing, he says, adding that an "opinion will be given in the not distant future."

It is not clear from the prosecutor's comments today whether formal charges have been filed. In Iran's opaque judicial system, the process of charging and trial can often take place behind closed doors. The three Americans were arrested July 31 after crossing the Iranian border from northern Iraq.

Detained American hikers Shane Bauer, left, and Sarah Shourd.
Detained American hikers Shane Bauer, left, and Sarah Shourd.   (AP Photo)
A general view of the Iran-Iraq border where three American hikers disappeared near Sulaimaniyah.
A general view of the Iran-Iraq border where three American hikers disappeared near Sulaimaniyah.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Spudsy
Nov 9, 2009 8:56 AM CST
I've met this kind before. They pride themselves in going to dangerous places on vacation so they can regale you with stories at parties. Well, these clowns got caught. Guess the only party they will attend this year is " Guards Mo' and Hussein's Ramadan Rump Fest" on the late shift.
Timinator2K
Nov 9, 2009 5:57 AM CST
Well, maybe all the really good hiking trails all over the planet were crowded?
schmidtkoff
Nov 9, 2009 5:55 AM CST
oy vey. as if obama doesn't have enough problems! now he has to worry about (dumb?) americans hiking around a bad neighborhood that embraces sharia law and can result in a death penalty for these hapless americans.

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Iraq • Iran • Tehran • espionage • Americans • border crossing • US citizenship • hikers • Shane Bauer • Sarah Shourd

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