Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal and Sarah Shourd have been detained in Iran since July 31, 2009, when news reports say they accidentally crossed an unmarked border during a hiking trip in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan. They were in a peaceful region of Iraq that is increasingly popular with Western tourists.
The three young Americans, all graduates of the University of California at Berkeley, are believed to be held in the Iranian capital, Tehran. They have not been charged with any crime, have had no contact with their families, and have not been granted their right to consular access.
Shane, Josh and Sarah care greatly about the world. They admire and respect different cultures and religions and share a love of travel that has taken them to many countries. That’s why they went to Kurdistan, not because they wanted to enter Iran.
Shane Bauer grew up in Onamia, Minnesota. His sister and brother-in-law live in Duluth. We are holding a fundraiser for them on Sept. 27 to raise money and support the effort to bring them home as soon as possible.
Please consider supporting any way you can! All proceeds will go to the families to help defray the costs of travel, awareness, etc. that are adding up daily.
Fundraiser Sept. 27
5 p.m. Hiking Meditation in honor of the hikers. By donation. All proceeds go toward Free the Hikers. Details to follow!
6-9 p.m. Silent Auction and live music at the Spiritual Deli
Donations needed for the silent auction!
Please contact us if you have something to offer! All donations greatly appreciated! 218.722.9378 or jodi@spiritualdeli.com
Learn more, be informed. Visit www.FreeTheHikers.org. The families and friends of the three hikers created this site to tell the story of Shane, Josh and Sarah and keep the world informed about their situation.