Sunday marks the second anniversary that Americans Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer have been detained in Iran after hiking near the border.
Sarah Shourd, a third hiker who was detained by Iran and later released due to declining health, and Alex Fattal, Josh's brother, are hosting a rally outside the United Nations in New York City on Friday to bring attention to Josh and Shane's trial, which will occur Sunday in Iran.
Alex and Sarah will join TODAY on Saturday to talk about these developments.
Read a letter from Alex about the rally.
By Alex Fattal, detained hiker Josh Fattal's brother.
It’s been two years. It’s been too long.
For two painful years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has detained my brother Josh and his good friend Shane Bauer. Today, two days before their “final hearing,” we rally to call out for their release on compassionate grounds.
Something so terrible and so painful has befallen two generous and inspiring young men who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of others through environmental advocacy and independent journalism. We have lived with promises of justice and compassion and we pray that the moment has finally come. It gives us strength to know that we are not praying alone, that we are joined by thousands of people all around the world.
Today, I ask two things of whoever is reading this:
- If you are in New York City, please come to our rally at noon today at 3rd Ave. and 40th St. Details are available here.
- This weekend say a prayer for Josh, Shane and our families so that our families can finally be whole again.
Here’s a video of some previous mobilizations: