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Nov 8, 2009 11:19 pm US/Central
Vigil 100 Days After Hikers Detained In Iran
PINE CITY, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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Minnesota-native Shane Bauer, his friends Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal were on a hiking trip to Iraq when they were jailed on suspicion of illegal entry into Iran.
CBS
It has been 100 days since three American hikers were detained in Iran. Minnesota-native Shane Bauer, his friends Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal were on a hiking trip to Iraq when they were jailed on suspicion of illegal entry into Iran.
Officials there say the hikers strayed across the unmarked border with Iran. All across the country candle light vigils of hope were held for the hikers to come home.
"A hundred days ago today Shane, Josh and Sarah were detained in Iran. A hundred days of silence, 100 days of absence, 100 days too long," said Cynthia Hickey, Shane's mother.
In more than 20 locations across the globe, including Pine City, Minn., people gathered to send a message of concern and hope to all who would listen.
"The fact that so many people, people that we don't even know, are coming out for these is amazing," said Nicole Lindstrom, Shane's sister.
The prolonged detention of three hikers in Iran has sparked a movement. People are signing petitions, sending letters of love and support and lighting candles to shed light on the situation everyone feels has gone on long enough.
All they want is for Shane, Josh and Sarah to be released. All three are being held in Evin prison in Iran. They have only been allowed two visits from Swiss diplomats, who represent U.S. interest in Iran.
"We haven't spoken to him personally, he transfers messages to the Swiss and then they call us and talk to us," said Hickey.
Letters were also sent and read at the Pine City vigil; the first from Shane.
"For the people who are gathered at the vigils I want you to know we can feel it," read Hickey.
"This is what Sarah wanted everyone to hear. 'I know you are fighting for me and it makes me proud, I'm hanging in there with you,'" read Lindstrom.
"Josh said to his family 'Thanks for all the wonderful letters. I spend a lot of time reading them,'" said Hickey.
It's this family's prayer that this will be the last vigil for Shane's safe return. They hope the next gathering will be a welcome home celebration.
"Amajinadad made a statement that he would grant maximum leniency and that he would try to expedite the situation. So that gave us hope that he would honor our request so we continue to be hopeful," said Hickey.
The three hikers have not been charged with a crime but continue to be held in a prison in Iran. Bauer's family says they have met in a private meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Now they say all they can do is wait and hope the Iranian government takes actions that match their words and release the three hikers to their families.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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