Items of Interest October 24, 2011 Issue

Interfaith delegation helps secure freedom for American hikers

Stan Wilson

“Religious delegation plays role in release of American hikers” Courtesy CNN. September 21, 2011.

When a prominent group of American Muslim and Christian leaders returned to Washington [on September 19] after meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and top clerical leaders during a six-day visit to Iran, they expressed optimism that two American hikers would be released within a few days.

On Wednesday [September 21], their hopes were realized when Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal were escorted out of Evin prison in Tehran after more than two years behind bars.

“We were very happy to learn about their release today,” said Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), who visited Tehran last week as part of a religious delegation. “We are extremely happy for the hikers, their families, and the country.”

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