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US trio 'on Iran spying charge' US trio 'on Iran spying charge'
(40 minutes later)
Three young Americans detained in Iran over alleged illegal entry are to be charged with espionage, Iranian state news agency Irna says.Three young Americans detained in Iran over alleged illegal entry are to be charged with espionage, Iranian state news agency Irna says.
Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Joshua Fattal have been held by Iranian authorities since the end of July.Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Joshua Fattal have been held by Iranian authorities since the end of July.
The trio are thought to have crossed a poorly marked border by mistake while hiking in Iraq's Kurdish region.The trio are thought to have crossed a poorly marked border by mistake while hiking in Iraq's Kurdish region.
The US has voiced deep concern about their detention, while their families have appealed for their release. Speaking in Berlin, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the news and appealed for their release.
Last week, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met their families, promising that the US was "exploring every angle" to secure their freedom. "We believe strongly that there is no evidence to support any charge whatsoever," Mrs Clinton said.
She urged Tehran to free the group, calling on the authorities to "exercise compassion".
'Charges of spying'
The three Americans were seized by Iranian border guards on 31 July. Their relatives say they accidentally strayed into Iran while hiking.
According to the state news agency, the move was announced by general prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi.According to the state news agency, the move was announced by general prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi.
"The three are charged with espionage. Investigations continue into the three detained Americans in Iran," Irna quoted him as saying. "The three Americans arrested near the border of Iran and Iraq are facing charges of spying and the inquiry is continuing," Irna quoted him as saying.
Swiss diplomats were allowed to meet the trio, aged in their 20s and 30s, in late September for the first time since their arrest. The prosecutor said that an opinion on the case would be given "in the not too distant future".
Swiss diplomats were allowed to meet the trio, who are in their 20s and 30s, in late September for the first time since their arrest.
The Swiss government represents US interests in Iran, with whom the US has no formal diplomatic relations.The Swiss government represents US interests in Iran, with whom the US has no formal diplomatic relations.