Free at Last By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Reuters
It is truly a glorious day for two freed American hikers who have been imprisoned in Iran for two years on charges of spying.
Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer were so thankful to be released and on their way to Oman. The third hiker and Bauer’s fiancee, Sarah Shourd, was freed last year on medical grounds. She was absolutely ecstatic to see him and they plan to be married soon. The families have expressed extreme gratitude for the release. All three hikers had been arrested in July 2009 when they strayed over an unmarked border between Iraqi Kurdistan and Iran.
The two had been sentenced to 8 years in prison on charges of spying but earlier on Wednesday, the sentences were commuted and each had to pay $500,000 bail. The departure of the two from Iran means forfeiture of the bail money and it will be kept by Iran. Lawyer for Fattal and Bauer told CNN that the $1 million bail had been paid by the Omani government as had been the case with Sarah Shourd.
The pair will spend a couple of days in Muscat and then head home. The Americans have had many supporters such as Muhammad Ali through this tough ordeal, strongly advocating for their freedom.
While in New York City at this time, President Barack Obama commented, ” We’re thrilled the hikers were released….We’re thrilled for their families. It was the right thing to do. They shouldn’t have been held in the first place but……..”
Earlier today a statement was released by the President……..
“I welcome the release of Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal from detention in Iran and am very pleased that they are being reunited with their loved ones. The tireless advocacy of their families over these two years has won my admiration, and is now coming to an end with Josh and Shane back in their arms. All Americans join their families and friends in celebrating their long-awaited return home.
We are deeply grateful to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, the Swiss government, and to all our partners and allies around the world who have worked steadfastly over the past two years to secure the release of Shane and Josh.”
We all welcome you home, Josh and Shane!! Welcome back to America!
Comments are closed.