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Iranian Says US Hikers Should be Tried


American hikers Shane Bauer, left, Josh Fattal, center, and Sarah Shourd stand prior to meeting with their mothers at the Esteghlal hotel in Tehran, 21 May 2010
American hikers Shane Bauer, left, Josh Fattal, center, and Sarah Shourd stand prior to meeting with their mothers at the Esteghlal hotel in Tehran, 21 May 2010

Iran's intelligence minister says two Americans who were detained for illegally crossing the country's border should be tried on charges of spying.

Iranian state-run media quotes Heidar Moslehi as saying "documents and evidence" about Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal have been handed over to Iran's judicial system for a decision. He also said Friday that a third American who was freed should "return to Iran if necessary."

Iranian authorities arrested Bauer, Fattal and Sarah Shourd last year on charges of unlawfully crossing into Iranian territory from Iraq. Iran freed Shourd on $500,000 bail last month. Mosleshi says she was freed "temporarily" and should "return to Iran if necessary."

The hikers and their family members have said if the trio crossed the border, it was by accident. Shourd says there were no signs, fences or other indications of a border.

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