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?
Washington (AP)

Iran allows Swiss diplomat second visit to detain hikers

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

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

The State Department says Iranian authorities have allowed a Swiss diplomat a second visit with three detained American hikers arrested for illegal entry near the Iraq border in late July.

Spokesman Robert Wood said Friday the Swiss ambassador to Iran was granted consular access to Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal on Thursday. He provided no details, citing privacy concerns. The Swiss, who represent U.S. interests in Iran, were first allowed to visit the trio in late September.

Bauer grew up in Minnesota, and his mother, Cindy Hickey, lives in eastern Minnesota.

Bauer, Shourd and Fattal were arrested July 31 after straying over the Iranian border while hiking in northern Iraq. All are graduates of the University of California, Berkeley. The U.S. government and their families have appealed for their release, saying they were vacationing and did not mean to cross the border.