Eight foreign aid workers in Afghanistan charged with trying to convert Muslims to Christianity expect a verdict in their trial next week and remain in good spirits, their lawyer said today.

A Supreme Court chief justice in Afghanistan told eight foreign aid workers today that they would be treated fairly, and that the threat of a US military assault would not play a part in their trial on charges of preaching Christianity.

The Pakistani defence lawyer for eight foreign aid workers accused of preaching Christianity in Afghanistan visited the detainees and reported they were ready for the resumption of their trial, scheduled later today.