Taliban: Aid Workers May Be Tried Today

KABUL, Afghanistan — Islamic clerics and judges have begun a “deliberation” ahead of the trial of eight foreign aid workers accused of promoting Christianity, the chief justice of Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban militia said, adding that the trial could begin later today.

Chief Justice Noor Mohammed Saqib said the accused would have a chance to defend themselves.

Twenty-four staff members from the German-based relief agency Shelter Now International, including two Americans, were arrested last month.

In Kabul, the capital, Protocol Officer Abdul Ghafoor Afghani said the proceedings would be open to journalists, Western diplomats and relatives of the two Americans.