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Dognapper on trial in Iran


TEHRAN (AFP) - A young Iranian woman has gone on trial for kidnapping a dog, stealing its gold leash and robbing its owner of three million rials (337 dollars).


"A few months ago, my mother's nurse stole our valuable dog and demanded a ransom," the plaintiff in the case, who was only identified as 34-year-old Amir, was quoted Sunday as telling the court.


Amir said he agreed to hand over the cash to Sahar, but at the appointed payment time a group of six men turned up, beat him and returned the dog -- only described as being "expensive" -- but without its gold leash.


According to the Etemad newspaper, the family of the 25-year-old accused have in turn alleged the plaintiff had been engaged in "illegal" relations with Sahar.