(New York, April 13, 2000) -- Human Rights Watch today welcomed the decision of Judge Sadik Nourani to grant the request of defense lawyers to adjourn the espionage trial of thirteen Iranian Jews until the first of May. The organization also supported the defense lawyer's request
that the ten defendants still in custody be released on bail for Passover.
"The official charges should now be made public and the defendants released on bail, given the lengthy time they have already spent in detention."
Hanny Megally
Executive Director
Middle East and North Africa Division, HRW
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"It is encouraging that Judge Nourani has given the defense lawyers more time to read the case files and meet their clients," said Hanny Megally, executive director of the Middle East and North Africa division of Human Rights Watch. "The official charges should now be made public and the defendants released on bail, given the lengthy time they have already spent in detention."
The controversial trial, which opened today in Shiraz, was adjourned after ninety minutes. All thirteen defendants were present.
Human Rights Watch also reiterated that any statements made by the defendants while they were held incommunicado or without the benefit of legal counsel should not be used as evidence against them in court.
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