News Iranian trial timeline since arrests Facebook Twitter Email SMS WhatsApp Share By J. Correspondent | September 29, 2000 Feb. 2, 2000 — The Iranian government releases three of the prisoners on bail, amid announcements that a trial for all 13 is imminent. Advocates for the prisoners worry that the accused will not receive a fair trial, and that a trial is not likely to occur until after Iran's upcoming elections. March 15, 2000 — It is announced that the remaining 10 prisoners will not be allowed to hire independent attorneys. April 5, 2000 — After an appeal by Iran's leading rabbi, the Iranian judiciary announces it will allow all 13 Jews to hire their own lawyers. April 13, 2000 — The trial of the Iran 13 officially opens, but is postponed until May 1, after Passover. May 1, 2000 — The alleged leader of the Iran 13, Hamid "Dani" Tefileen confesses to spying for Israel on state television. More of the prisoners make "confessions" in the following week. By the end of the month, eight prisoners plead guilty, one admits to some activities but not spying and four plead not guilty, including the three released earlier on bail. June 13, 2000 — Four of the prisoners retract their "confessions," while a Muslim accused of collaborating with the Jews also denies the charge. July 1, 2000 — Ten of the Iranian Jews are convicted of spying for Israel and sentenced to prison terms of four to 13 years, drawing condemnation from Israel and President Clinton. The judge, who also acted as prosecutor, acquits the three other Jews. The defense lawyer vows to appeal. Sept. 21, 2000 — An Iranian appeals court reduces the sentences of the "Iran 10" to between two and nine years. But American Jewish advocates say the reductions aren't enough and worry that case will be swept aside in favor of ongoing rapprochement between Iran and America. J. Correspondent Also On J. Astrolojew Passover horoscopes: Be brave, but don't be a bully Off the Shelf New novel: tragic journey of gay, Jewish refugee from Sarajevo World ADL chief defends new partnership with United Arab Emirates Torah How can we all live together amicably? Leviticus explains. Subscribe to our Newsletter Enter Email Sign Up