Kabul aid workers trial resumes

The arrested aid workers have been held at a Kabul school

The trial of eight foreign aid workers in Afghanistan accused of preaching Christianity has resumed in Kabul.

The eight - who all worked for the charity Shelter Now International - appeared before Supreme Court Chief Justice Noor Mohammed Saqib.

One, believed to be a German woman, was initially reported to be ill, but later appeared in court.

The Taleban put seized materials on display

The aid workers - four Germans, two Americans and two Australians - deny the charges against them.

If convicted, they face a possible death penalty.

The whereabouts of 16 Afghan aid workers who were arrested with them is unknown.

Samantha Thomas, sister of Australian detainee Diana Thomas, has appealed to the United States to delay any military strikes against Afghanistan until the aid workers are freed.

She told Australia's ABC radio: "We are worried about her trial. It is too much to bear at the moment."

Proceedings disrupted

Washington has demanded that the Taleban release the eight aid workers unconditionally.

The trial had been due to resume on Saturday but was delayed until the arrival of Pakistani defence lawyer Atif Ali Khan.

The lawyer representing the aid workers has arrived in Kabul

Proceedings were disrupted by the 11 September attacks on the United States, when diplomats and relatives left Afghanistan.

The eight are now the only foreign aid workers left inside Taleban-controlled Afghanistan.

Taleban officials have said they will protect the westerners in the event of any American attack.

They have now been in custody for almost two months.

On Friday another foreigner was arrested in Afghanistan, British journalist Yvonne Ridley.

Fears for her safety grew after Taleban-controlled radio reported that she had been arrested on suspicion of spying.