VATICAN, Sep. 21, 00 (CWNews.com) - The Holy See has repeatedly intervened with the government of Iran on behalf of 10 people who have been convicted of spying on behalf of Israel, the Vatican's spokesman has revealed.
Joaquin Navarro-Valls, the head of the Vatican press office, disclosed that the Holy See has made pleas «directly and indirectly» for fair treatment of the spy suspects, who have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 to 20 years.
Navarro-Valls said that the Vatican involvement in the case was in line with the steady work of the Church favoring «a just and equitable process, for respect for the rights of the accused, and for assurances of the rights of prisoners.» He also noted that Pope John Paul II has recommended clemency for prisoners, as a gesture of celebration for the Jubilee year.
Catholic World News Service - Vatican Update