Western diplomats representing eight Christian aid workers on trial in Afghanistan yesterday urged the Taliban to explain the charges and court procedure to the detainees.
"We are very concerned to ensure that the detainees here get the correct advice from the Afghan authorities," Australian diplomat, Mr Alastar Adams, said.
Taliban officials had not informed the diplomats of the start of the trial and have not met with the diplomats since August 28th, he said. "We hope to see some Taliban officials as quickly as possible."
The much-awaited trial of two American, two Australian and four German aid workers, charged with preaching Christianity, began in the Taliban's Supreme Court yesterday behind closed doors.
The foreigners were arrested along with 16 Afghan colleagues last month. The punishment could range from death to a few days in prison.
Taliban Chief Justice Mawlawi Noor Mohammad Saqib said yesterday the court would summon the detainees when necessary. US consul, Mr David Donahue, said the diplomats wanted to ensure the detainees would be "best prepared for their defence".
The Taliban Foreign Minister, Mr Wakil Ahmed Mutawakel, had said diplomats and journalists would be allowed to attend the trial. But Mr Saqib said "judges will decide whether the proceedings will be open".