International Law
Iran's President Says He Will Grant 'Unilateral Pardon' to Jailed US Hikers
Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says two American hikers jailed for two years on espionage charges will be released as part of a “humanitarian gesture.”
Ahmadinejad told the Washington Post he will grant a “unilateral pardon” to hikers Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal. The men were hiking in Iraq when they crossed the Iran border in July 2009 along with another hiker, Sarah Shourd. She was released in September. The Americans denied they were spying.
Ahmadinejad told NBC News that the Americans will be released in two days.
Bauer and Fattal were sentenced to eight years in prison in August. Their lawyer told the Associated Press they will be freed after they each pay $500,000 bail. The New York Times also has coverage.
