Iranian Guards Compare Evin Prison to Guantanamo

The release of detained American hikers Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer by the Iranian government last Wednesday was a rare bit of good news. They have now arrived back in the United States and on Sunday gave their first press conference on US soil.

Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal

Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal at press conference in New York, September 25 (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

Josh and Shane were detained by the Iranian authorities, along with their friend Sarah Shourd, while hiking along the Iraq- Iran border in 2009.

They were held in Iran’s notorious Evin Prison on espionage charges for more than two years. They had little contact with the outside world and communication with their families was almost impossible.

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Flawed Trial Of US Hikers Held In Iran Resumes

Update: The trial failed to resume on Wednesday and the Iranian lawyer of the two US citizens has lodged a formal protest against the delay.

Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal © APGraphicsBank

On May 11, Iran is set to resume the flawed trial of two US hikers apparently held for political reasons for nearly two years.

Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal were arrested while hiking in the Iraq-Iran border area in July 2009. The exact circumstances of their arrest are unclear, but Iranian authorities have charged them with espionage and illegal entry.

Iran’s failure to meet international standards for a fair trial for Shane and Josh indicates a political motive in holding them which may amount to hostage-taking.

Amnesty International calls for their immediate release.  You can join us by taking action right now.

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