American Hiker's Release Confirmed

Sarah Shourd, one of three Americans imprisoned in Iran on espionage allegations, is set to be released from an Iranian prison after spending 13 months in solitary confinement.

Shourd, 32, along with Shane Bauer, 28, and Josh Fattal, 28, were captured by Iranian forces after they allegedly crossed an unmarked border while hiking in Iraq.

Shourd’s release is said to be a sign of clemency by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in observation of holidays marking the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan. After a set bail of $500,000, Shourd is likely to be released while her two fellow hikers will reportedly wait another two months for their indictment. 

Shourd’s lawyer, Masoud Shafii, also confirmed her release saying “my client has… been freed from Evin prison.” Iran’s ISNA news agency further quoted him saying that “there is nothing to prevent my client from leaving the country.”

Shourd’s release comes at a crucial time as reports say she is suffering from pre-existing medical problems and has recently found a lump in her breast.