MANAGUA, Nicaragua—A court's decision to hold three men for trial for the attempted theft of two bananas is drawing surprise and ridicule from lawyers in Nicaragua.

The bananas stolen are valued at 32 cents. The trial is expected to cost at least $600.

Prosecutors said in preliminary proceedings Thursday the three men tried to steal the bananas from a fruit vendor in December. They ran with the fruit but were caught. Two are being held at a local jail, and a third is under a form of house arrest. The trial is set for April 23.

Lawyer Ivan Morales isn't defending any of the men, but says the decision to prosecute is inexplicable.

"It is ridiculous to hold a trial that costs a lot of money, over two bananas," he said.