Vigils today for hikers detained in Iran

By BOB VON STERNBERG, Star Tribune

Last update: November 8, 2009 - 7:18 AM

Vigils will be held today in four Minnesota cities to mark the 100-day mark of three American hikers' detention in Iran.

Minnesota native and journalist Shane Bauer; his girlfriend, Sarah Shourd, and their friend Josh Fattal were hiking in a Kurdish area of northeastern Iraq in July and were arrested after they apparently crossed the unmarked Iranian border.

The vigils -- among 21 that have been scheduled worldwide -- are planned for Minneapolis, St. Paul, Shakopee and Pine City.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had an emotional meeting with family members last week and renewed appeals to Iran to release the hikers.

The hikers have been able to send messages to their families. A message from each will be read at the vigils.

Specific information on the vigils is available at www.freethehikers.org.

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