U.S. hikers' release delayed
- 13 years ago
The lawyer for two U.S. men convicted of spying in Iran left court empty-handed on Tuesday, saying the judge in the case didn't show up to sign the paperwork for their release.
(SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) LAWYER OF U.S. HIKERS, MASOUD SHAFIE, SAYING:
"Based on what I said the day before yesterday, I approached the court. The judge who is supposed to provide a signature is still not there and because I have another case to deal with at 10:30, I need to leave. The plan is for them to call me."
The lawyer had earlier said the judge hasn't signed the papers yet because he's been on vacation.
The men were arrested on the border with Iraq in 2009, where they said they were hiking.
They were found guilty of espionage and sentenced last month to eight years in prison.
If they are released, they're expected to pay a 500,000 dollar bail each.
Nick Rowlands, Reuters
(SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) LAWYER OF U.S. HIKERS, MASOUD SHAFIE, SAYING:
"Based on what I said the day before yesterday, I approached the court. The judge who is supposed to provide a signature is still not there and because I have another case to deal with at 10:30, I need to leave. The plan is for them to call me."
The lawyer had earlier said the judge hasn't signed the papers yet because he's been on vacation.
The men were arrested on the border with Iraq in 2009, where they said they were hiking.
They were found guilty of espionage and sentenced last month to eight years in prison.
If they are released, they're expected to pay a 500,000 dollar bail each.
Nick Rowlands, Reuters