warning Hi, we've moved to USCANNENBERGMEDIA.COM. Visit us there!

Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

Released Hikers Claim "We Were Hostages"

Dawn Megli |
September 25, 2011 | 2:57 p.m. PDT

Executive Producer

Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal return to the US after two years in Iranian prison.
Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal return to the US after two years in Iranian prison.
Two hikers released from Iranian prison after two years held a press conferenceSunday in New York City, just days after being freed.

Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer spoke out against their detainment, according to CBS News. "It was clear to us from the very beginning that we were hostages," Fattal said.

The two were arrested with their companion, Sarah Shourd, in 2009 while hiking near the Iran-Iraq border. Shourd was released last year. But the two men told the press today that crossing the international border was not the reason they were detained according to MSNBC. "We were held because of our nationality," said Bauer.

Their release comes as what Iran characterizes as a humanitarian gesture.

The men landed in New York today after being released to Muscat, Oman. 

Best way to find more great content from Neon Tommy?

Or join our email list below to enjoy Neon Tommy News Alerts.



 

Buzz

Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.

 
ntrandomness