Afghan aid workers face trial

The Taleban authorities in Afghanistan say that a group of aid workers arrested last week on charges of trying to spread Christianity will face trial.

Mawlavi Mohammad Wali, the Taleban's religious police minister, said the 24 workers - including eight foreigners - would be dealt with according Islamic Shariah law.

The statement contradicts Taleban media reports on Sunday that the eight foreign workers - four Germans, two Australians and two Americans - would be deported after a brief imprisonment.

Diplomatic access

Diplomats in neighbouring Pakistan have been trying to get visas to visit the detainees - so far unsuccessfully.

They were due to meet UN special representative Francesc Vedrell on Monday after he returned from talks with senior Taleban leaders in Kabul.

On Sunday, the Taleban said that an investigation into the organisation the detainees worked for - Shelter Now - was still going on to see if it was part of a wider conspiracy to spread Christianity in Afghanistan.

The group has denied propagating Christianity.