Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Berkeley, Calif. (AP)

Families of U.S. hikers held in Iran release video

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The families of three Americans being held in Iran after straying across the border say new video shows they were on a harmless vacation.

Twenty-seven-year-old Shane Bauer, 31-year-old Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal, also 27, have been detained since July 31. They apparently crossed into Iran by accident while hiking in a scenic area in northern Iraq.

Family members are releasing the video footage Tuesday. One video shows Fattal performing an impromptu rap song. Another shows the three dancing around for the camera.

The video was shot by a fourth American on the trip who didn't go hiking because he was ill.

Bauer's mother, Cindy Hickey, lives in eastern Minnesota. She says the video makes it obvious they were on vacation and not meaning to do harm.