US hikers freed: Timeline of key events

The two US hikers remaining in Iranian custody, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, were released today after more than two years of detention. Here are the key points in their saga.

Sept. 13, 2011 – Freedom ‘imminent’

Mr. Ahmadinejad says Bauer and Fattal’s freedom is “imminent,” but the Iranian judiciary quickly shoots down his announcement, saying it is still considering their case. The dispute mimics the back-and-forth around Shourd’s release in 2010 in which Ahmadinejad announced her impending release first, only for the judiciary to deny it – then re-announce it days later. Ahmadinejad’s disclosure was seen as a bid to engender political points ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting this week, and the judiciary’s denial was likely intended to prevent Ahmadinejad for taking credit for the soon-to-come release.

7 of 8
You've read  of  free articles. Subscribe to continue.