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.

Parents and Western diplomats pressed the Taliban today to be allowed to see eight jailed foreign aid workers to develop a legal defence as their trial into charges of preaching Christianity went into its second week.

Eight foreign aid workers appeared today before the Taliban’s Supreme Court, charged with preaching Christianity in Afghanistan.

Eight foreign aid workers are to appear later today before the Taliban’s Supreme Court, charged with preaching Christianity in Afghanistan.