Families of U.S. hikers in Iran react to prison sentence
The families of Elkins Park native Josh Fattall and fellow hiker Shane Bauer are speaking out for the first time since the two were sentenced to eight years each in prison in Iran.
The Times Herald reports the families released a statement, along with Sara Shourd, saying Saturday and Sunday have been the most difficult of the 751 days the two have been in prison.
The Times Herald posted the entire statement on its website:
“Of the 751 days of Shane and Josh’s imprisonment, yesterday and today have been the most difficult for our families. Shane and Josh are innocent and have never posed any threat to the Islamic Republic of Iran, its government or its people.”
On Saturday, news broke the two had been sentenced in Iran to eight years each in prison on charges of espionage and illegal entry.
Fattal and Bauer’s attorney has told the Associated Press he plans to appeal their sentence.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.