DATE=5/1/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=IRAN / JEWS (L-2ND UPDATE)
NUMBER=2-261882
BYLINE=LISA BRYANT
DATELINE=CAIRO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: One of 13 Iranian Jews on trial for espionage
has told Iran's state-run television that he did spy
for Israel. Defendant Hamid Tefilin (also known as
Dani) told the interviewer he was trained for
espionage during a visit to Israel in 1994 and that he
had betrayed his nation. State-run television
broadcast the interview after the accused testified in
court on the second day of the closed door trial. Lisa
Bryant reports from Cairo that a lawyer for the
defendants previously denied such allegations.
TEXT: A spokesman for the Shiraz revolutionary court
told news agencies that the main defendant in the
spying trial had confessed to delivering sensitive
information to the Mossad, Israel's intelligence
agency. The spokesman said the defendant - who has
been variously identified as Dani or Hamid Tefilin -
asked the court for clemency. He said Mr. Tefilin's
case is, as he put it, finished.
The spokesman added that two other defendants had
admitted to certain facts linked to charges against
them. The judge in the case, Sadeq Nourani, was
expected to question a fourth defendant. Mr. Nourani
is acting as investigator and prosecutor - as well as
judge - in the trial
But lawyers for the Iranian Jews have denied the
spying charges. The lead defense attorney, Esmail
Nasseri, told the New York Times that any statements
made under questioning did not amount to proof.
Beyond possible statements, he said, no concrete
evidence exists of actual espionage. Mr. Nasseri also
said he had been able to see his clients only once.
One of the defendants told reporters (Monday) that the
spying charges against him were unfounded. He added
that all those accused have been well treated.
The Shiraz trial, which began last month, is the
latest chapter in the recent struggle sweeping Iran.
During the past 10-days, the conservative Press Court
closed more than a dozen reformist newspapers. A
number of journalists were arrested on charges of
undermining Islamic values and endangering Iran's
internal security. Several were imprisoned.
Meanwhile, Iranian students have staged small
demonstrations across the country to protest the press
crackdown.
Like the press crackdown, the trial of the Iranian
Jews has also raised alarm. Foreign governments and
international Jewish and human-rights groups have
expressed concern. Critics want international
observers to attend the trial, a request Iran has
denied.
The trial has also traumatized Iran's roughly 30-
thousand Jews. The Jewish community is one of the
oldest and largest in the Middle East. Those arrested
include merchants, teachers, civil servants, and an
11-year-old boy. Their supporters say it is
impossible they could have had access to classified
information.
Iran's President, Mohammed Khatami, has promised a
fair trial for the Jews. Shortly before the Jewish
Passover celebrations, Shiraz trial judge Nourani
reportedly visited 10 of the defendants to wish them a
happy holiday. (SIGNED)
NEB/LB/GE/RAE
01-May-2000 16:30 PM EDT (01-May-2000 2030 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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