American Hikers Imprisoned in Iran
Senator Franken has repeatedly called for the release of the three American hikers, Shane Bauer, Sarah Shroud, and Josh Fattal, who were taken into custody by the Iranian government hiking along the the Iranian border with Iraq. Shane Bauer is a native of Minnesota; his mother Cindy Hickey resides in Pine City. Senator Franken has met with her on multiple occasions and his heart goes out to the hikers and their parents.
Senator Franken co-sponsored a resolution, which was passed by the full Senate, encouraging the Iranian government to allow the hikers to be reunited with their families as soon as possible. He worked with the hikers' families and the State Department to gain visas so that the mothers were able to visit their children. Senator Franken was very pleased when Iran released Sarah Shourd, and he was happy to meet with her and the families of the hikers in Washington. At the same time, he will continue doing everything he can to get Josh and Shane released and reunited with their families as soon as possible.
