Christian Prisoners Plead Innocent in Taliban Court

KABUL (Reuters) - Eight foreign aid workers on trial for promoting Christianity in Islamic Afghanistan appeared for the first time on Saturday in the ruling Taliban's Supreme Court, saying they were innocent of proselytising.

The hearing, now in its fourth day, was presided over by Chief Justice Noor Mohammad Saqib and 18 bearded, white-turbaned judges.

``During the investigation we were accused of many things but that was not true,'' Georg Taubmann, Afghanistan director for German-based Christian relief agency Shelter Now International (SNI), told the court.

``We have never converted anybody. We are shocked with the accusations,'' he added.

Saturday marked the first time any of the detained foreigners -- four Germans, two Australians and two Americans -- had been seen or spoken in public since their arrest five weeks ago. Six are women and two men.

Twenty-four SNI staff -- the eight foreigners and 16 Afghans -- were held on charges that could carry the death penalty.

The detainees, who appeared healthy, have been identified as Taubmann, Katrin Jelinek, Margrit Stebner and Silke Durrkopf, who are all German; Australians Peter Bunch and Diana Thomas; plus Americans Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer.
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Chief Justice Saqib reassured the accused that the trial would be fair and they were entitled to hire lawyers or defend themselves, as they wished.

``We once again want to assure the detainees that the proceedings will be strictly in accordance with justice...and on the basis of Islamic Sharia (law),'' said Saqib, who was sitting with two swords hanging on the wall behind him.
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The Taliban say Mullah Mohammad Omar, the movement's supreme leader, has the final say on punishment.
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Taliban Foreign Minister Wakil Ahmed Muttawakil said on Thursday a decree offering lenient treatment to foreigners accused of spreading Christianity did not apply in this case.
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