Hikers charged with espionage

TEHRAN, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Three U.S. hikers who said they became lost and inadvertently crossed from Iraq into Iran, have been charged with espionage.

The three U.S. citizens have been detained by Iranian authorities since July. Monday it was announced spying charges would be filed although the investigations continue.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in Berlin for ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, said, "We strongly believe there is no evidence to support any charge whatsoever."

If convicted of espionage, the three Americans could be sentenced to death.