ID :
135814
Mon, 08/02/2010 - 16:19
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/135814
The shortlink copeid
Detention of 3 U.S. citizens a judicial issue: Iran's Foreign Ministry
TEHRAN, Aug. 3 (MNA) -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry says the incarceration of three U.S. citizens is only a judicial issue.
And political pressure or the recent media propaganda in some European cities cannot affect their case, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told reporters on Sunday.
Shane Bauer, 27, Sarah Shourd, 31, and Josh Fattal, 27, were detained on July 31, 2009 in western Iran after illegally crossing Iran’s border with Iraq.
“The three U.S. citizens were arrested on July 31 (2009) for illegal entry into Iranian territory, so their violation of law is obvious and they should be answerable before the law like any other individual,” Mehmanparast stated.
In addition, the relevant bodies are investigating other potential charges against them, including their possible intention to act against Iran’s national security, he added.
Mehmanparast also denied the rumors that their case is related to Iranians who are held in the United States.
The three U.S. citizens have been treated well and certain facilities have been provided to them, he said, adding that Tehran expects Washington to do the same for Iranians imprisoned in the U.S.
He noted that the mothers of the three detainees were allowed to visit their children in Tehran in May and the Swiss Embassy, which hosts the U.S. Interests Section in Iran, has had contact with them.
And political pressure or the recent media propaganda in some European cities cannot affect their case, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told reporters on Sunday.
Shane Bauer, 27, Sarah Shourd, 31, and Josh Fattal, 27, were detained on July 31, 2009 in western Iran after illegally crossing Iran’s border with Iraq.
“The three U.S. citizens were arrested on July 31 (2009) for illegal entry into Iranian territory, so their violation of law is obvious and they should be answerable before the law like any other individual,” Mehmanparast stated.
In addition, the relevant bodies are investigating other potential charges against them, including their possible intention to act against Iran’s national security, he added.
Mehmanparast also denied the rumors that their case is related to Iranians who are held in the United States.
The three U.S. citizens have been treated well and certain facilities have been provided to them, he said, adding that Tehran expects Washington to do the same for Iranians imprisoned in the U.S.
He noted that the mothers of the three detainees were allowed to visit their children in Tehran in May and the Swiss Embassy, which hosts the U.S. Interests Section in Iran, has had contact with them.
