With Trial Scheduled, Lawyer Says Almost Sure No Acquittal for Americans

Massoud Shafiee, lawyer for the three imprisoned Americans told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that he does not expect his clients to be acquitted. Shafiee said that he initially thought that Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer would be released on bail in the same manner as Sarah Shourd. But having been informed of the court date, he no longer sees it as a possibility.

“Judge Salavati told his office manager to inform me of the court date. The court will convene on 6 November 2010 at 10 a.m. at Branch 15 with Judge Salavati presiding. Starting this moment, I am entitled to see the case and to visit Josh and Shane. I think I will be able to review the case file over the next two to three days and have a meeting with them. Article 128 of Iran’s Code of Criminal Procedure permits a judge to deny access to lawyers during the investigation phase,” Shafiee told the Campaign.