Chuck Schumer: “I rise on the eve of the trial of 13 Iranian Jews charged with spying on behalf of the United States and Israel to ask…”

“I rise on the eve of the trial of 13 Iranian Jews charged with spying on behalf of the United States and Israel to ask my colleagues to support a Concurrent Resolution urging President Clinton to do everything possible to ensure that the accused men receive a fair and open trial. As it stands right now, the Revolutionary Court judge has made a mockery of any pretense that the men will receive a fair hearing. Ten of the 13 have, for nearly a year, been denied their legal right to choose their own lawyers, and have only recently been appointed lawyers by the judge in the case--just days before the trial was set to begin. Furthermore, the trial is scheduled to be closed to any outside observers or media. These facts do not bode well for the accused. However, I believe that strong pressure from the United States will help convince the Iranian government that should these men experience anything less than a fair outcome in this preposterous case, Teheran would face serious consequences. The 13 Iranian Jews, mostly community and religious leaders in the cities of Shiraz and Isfahan, were arrested one year ago by the Iranian authorities and accused of spying. No evidence has been brought forth to substantiate the arrests. Indeed, how could it be? Jews in Iran are prohibited from holding any positions that would grant them access to state secrets.…”