Vigils to mark hikers' 250 days of captivity in Iran

Shane Bauer
Shane Bauer was hiking in northern Iraq with two friends when they crossed into Iran and were arrested last July. Supporters of the three Americans are gathering at a series of vigils on Sunday to mark 250 days since the hikers were taken into captivity.
from www.shanebauer.net

Supporters of three Americans being held in Iran are gathering at a series of vigils on Sunday to mark 250 days since the hikers were taken into captivity.

Three Americans, including Shane Bauer, who spent part of his childhood in Minnesota, were detained after hiking in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region in late July. Iranian officials seized them after they allegedly crossed into Iran. Iranian officials have said the three may be tried in court but have not spelled out possible charges.

Bauer's mother Cindy Hickey, of Pine City, said she spoke to her son about a month ago for the first time since he was detained.

"I talked to him a week before he went on this trip and I hadn't talked to him since so that minute call that I had--believe me--was rehearsed over and over again for eight months," she said. "I have been waiting for that call for eight months."

Vigils will be held at 1 p.m. in Pine City and 2 p.m. in Shakopee. Other vigils are also being held Sunday in other locations around the world.