Source:
RFE/RL
The U.S. State Department has expressed concern
about the welfare of three U.S. hikers who have been imprisoned in Iran since
July, saying they may be held in "deplorable conditions."
Spokesman Philip Crowley says Iran's refusal to allow Swiss diplomats to visit
the hikers in Tehran's Evin Prison since the end of October is "outrageous" and
a violation of international agreements.
Josh Fattal (left), Sarah Shourd, and Shane Bauer (courtesy of
www.freethehikers.org)
Switzerland represents U.S. interests in Iran
because the United States and Iran do not have diplomatic relations.
Crowley said the United States would continue to press for access to the trio to
ensure their well-being.
Washington says the three -- Josh Fattal, 27, Shane Bauer, 27, and Sarah Shourd,
31 -- had been hiking in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region when they accidentally
crossed the border into Iran in late July.
compiled from agency reports
Copyright (c) 2010 RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org
... Payvand News - 01/27/10 ... --
