Pomp and farce at Kabul trial

By Andrew North BBC correspondent in Kabul

Mr Idema says that all his evidence has been handed over to the FBI

The Kabul courtroom was packed with journalists, officials, representatives from the US embassy and many spectators.

The trial of Jonathan Idema and two other Americans is taking place in the main court for Kabul province, amid tight security.

The court itself is a surprisingly grand place.

Inside a fairly ramshackle, run-down government compound, white painted columns surround the walls of the court chamber, ornately decorated in gold at the top and bottom. Green and gold friezes decorate some of the walls.

The presiding judge, Abdul Basset Bakhtiari, is imposing too, in a red and gold fringed gown with a shaped velvet hat.

At the last hearing, he was wearing just a suit and open-necked shirt.

'Farce'

But despite the relative grandeur of the occasion, the trial itself has sometimes verged on the edge of farce with Jonathan Idema sometimes shouting out at both the judge and prosecutor as he attacks the proceedings.

He has called the process "insane" and "crazy".

Twice the American, dressed in the same military-style fatigues and sunglasses, turned to the judge and said, "Why don't we just get this over with now - just give me the 15 years".

The morning hearing and part of the post-lunch session was dominated by such exchanges.

Idema said he had not been given an English copy of the charges against him.

"How can I defend myself when I don't even have a copy of the indictment?" he demanded.

Evidence

The former US soldier said all the evidence he needs is being kept away from him.

He said there are hundreds of photos, videos and documents that were at the house in Kabul where he was arrested in early July.

He says this has been handed over to the FBI.

Mr Idema also complained about the quality of the translation.

This was a frequent source of confusion for others too, with many Afghans in the audience who speak English shaking their heads in surprise at some of the translations that were being made.

After lunch the judge, Abdul Basset Bakhtiari, was able to impose more order and called first on Mr Idema's translator to speak.

Edward Caraballo, who was arrested with Jonathan Idema, has also been speaking for the first time, saying he is just a journalist who is in Afghanistan to document the fight against terrorism.