Trial of foreign aid workers begins

The trial is underway of eight foreign aid workers on charges of preaching Christianity in Afghanistan.

The Chief Justice Noor Mohamed Saqib says the trial is not being held in public.

It is expected to last several days at least.

Saqib and 14 bearded Islamic clerics met for nearly four hours at the start of the trial, which will eventually see the eight foreign aid workers allowed to speak in their own defence.

Saqib would not say when they would be called to the court.

He said they would be able to defend themselves, but if they wanted a lawyer one would be provided.

The members of German-based Christian organisation Shelter Now International, were arrested four weeks ago along with 16 Afghan staff members.

The workers - two Americans, four Germans and two Australians - have been held for almost four weeks.

According to Taliban law the penalty for foreigners caught preaching Christianity is three to 10 days in jail and expulsion.

The penalty for an Afghan who converts to Christianity is death.