Iran says to free one detained US hiker on Saturday

One of three US hikers detained in Iran for more than a year is expected to be freed on Saturday, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance told AFP in a text message.

Updated on: Sep 9, 2010, 22:14:33 IST

AFP | By HT Correspondent, Tehran

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One of three US hikers detained in Iran for more than a year is expected to be freed on Saturday, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance told AFP in a text message.

In a brief message, the ministry said: "Freedom of one of the American detainees on Saturday 20th of (Iranian month of) Shahrivar (Saturday) at 9:00 am (0430 GMT) at Hotel Esteghlal" in the capital Tehran.

Iran is currently holding three US hikers in custody after they strayed into the country from across the border with Iraq more than a year ago.

Shane Bauer, 27, Sarah Shourd, 31, and Josh Fattal, 27 have been accused by Iranian authorities of spying and of illegally entering Iran.

The three insist they entered the Islamic republic by mistake after being lost during a hike in Iraqi Kurdistan, while US authorities says they are innocent and should be released immediately.

The ministry usually uses text messages to inform the media or invite it for any news events to be reported.

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