Attorney for Three Detained Americans: “I am trying to meet my clients”

Massoud Shafiee, attorney for three Americans who entered Iran by mistake five months ago and were subsequently arrested and imprisoned, told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that he is trying to meet with his clients.

Since the families of Josh Fattal, Shane Bauer, and Sarah Shourd have appointed Shafiee as their lawyer, he has not been able to meet with his clients. Shafiee told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran:

“After I was appointed as their lawyer, I started following up on the case. I prepared the forms my clients would have to sign in order to introduce me as their legal representative to the courts and filed it with the Tehran Prosecutor’s Office. I received permission to meet with my clients, so that they could sign the forms, but I have not been able to meet with them yet. I was told that my three clients have signed the forms. I think one of the reasons things have taken too long is that most of the judicial authorities have been dispatched to different locations in order to take care of the recent riots. I am awaiting their reply and authorization to meet with my clients.”

“A very important point I have emphasized is that according to Article 3 of General and Revolutionary Courts Laws, ‘a temporary detention’ cannot exceed four months. The investigator of this case should finish all investigation on the cases and forward them to the courts. If he is unable to do this, he must either revoke the detention orders or change them, in any case showing cognizance of the length of time in temporary detention. Of course it is stipulated in the law that if an investigator determines that he needs more time to finish the investigation, he can continue the temporary detention, but according to the word of law, laws must be interpreted in favor of the accused. I have asked to see my clients’ files. I have surmised that investigations are almost complete. Once investigations are complete, I will have the file to review and I will be able to meet with my clients.”