Muhammad Ali Supports Calls For Iran To Free U.S. Hikers

By Philip Bunnell

During a press conference at the National Press Club today, boxing legend Muhammad Ali and other Muslim-American leaders called on the Islamic government of Iran to release Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, two American hikers who have been imprisoned since 2009 when they allegedly strayed into Iran.

Imam Mohamed Magid, president of the Islamic Society of North America, told reporters that the hikers “meant no harm to Iran,” and called on Iran’s religious leaders to show the Islamic virtues of “mercy, compassion, and kindness,” and said that he “looked forward” to the two men’s release.

Sarah Shourd, who was originally detained with Bauer and Fattal before being released, said that she wanted to see her fiance, Bauer, and friend, Fattal, again. She blamed an almost non-existent diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and Iran for the pair’s continued detainment.

“Josh and Shane have now been imprisoned for 8 months longer than I was and their detention has everything to do with animosity between the United States and Iran and nothing to do with two innocent men who have always stood on the side of what’s right.”

Ali, who has suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for years, did not speak at the conference, but sat near the podium in plain sight of reporters.