American Hiker | featured news

Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, the American hikers jailed in Iran on spying charges since 2009, were freed from prison Wednesday and flown to Oman for a joyful reunion with family members. “We’re so happy we are free,” Fattal told reporters at Muscat International Airport in Oman. The 29-year-old Californians and a companion, Sarah Shourd, were arrested in the mountainous region between Iraq and Iran for supposedly crossing the border; their detention further frayed diplomatic relations between the United States and Iran.

Two Americans convicted in Iran of espionage and illegally crossing over the nation's border could be freed if they pay $500,000 each in bail, an attorney for the men says.

For 14 months, Sarah Shourd's pain was unseen by the outside world.

Sarah E. Shourd, who had been held on espionage charges for more than a year, has left prison, her lawyer said.