Khatami reassures Jewish community over trial

President Khatami of Iran has met representatives of the country's Jewish community and reassured them over the recent trial of Jews who were convicted of spying for Israel.

He said religion had played no part at the trial in the southern city of Shiraz and that what was important was that justice should prevail.

Ten Jews and two Muslims were found guilty by a revolutionary court last month and sentenced to jail terms of between two and thirteen years.

A higher court is expected to rule on their appeal by early next month.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service