UC hikers released on $1 million bail

[nadinbrzezinski]

The two American hikers and former UC Berkeley students detained for allegedly crossing the Iranian border more than two years ago were released early Wednesday morning on a $1 million bail by the Iranian authorities, The New York Times reported.

According to The Times, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal — who were seized in 2009 for crossing into Iran while hiking along the Iran-Iraq border with Bauer’s fiancee, Sarah Shourd — were seen by Associated Press reporters leaving Evin Prison in a diplomatic convoy including Swiss and Omani officials.

As of 7:44 a.m., Bauer and Fattal had been turned over to the custody of Omani officials, according to CNN. A couple hours later an airplane carrying Fattal and Bauer left Tehran for Muscat, Oman.

http://www.dailycal.org/2011/09/21/uc-hikers-released-on-1-million-bail/

Family statement at link.

[RaleighNCDUer]

1. IOW, they paid a $1,000,000 ransom for their freedom. nt

[Fire Walk With Me]

2. That's what it boils down to. :/

However, it does weaken any future hostage arguments from them.

[Kolesar]

3. "Hiking along the Iran-Iraq border"

I don't understand the attraction of hiking along the Iran-Iraq border.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. Because the vistas can be breath taking

I would not do that myself... and their goals might or might not have been more than just hiking, but if it was hiking...that is why

[MicaelS]

6. Me neither n/t

[MicaelS]

4. A lot of time effort and energy was expended

On freeing these people. And it was totally unnecessary. They should have NEVER been that close to the border of Iran, thus allowing Iran to arrest them and exploit them for political and monetary gain. These people were stupid and ignorant, no matter how much education they have.

[The Northerner]

7. +100 I couldn't agree more

They knew that area was dangerous and yet they still decided to visit that area.

They were all lucky this time.