Families speak out in NYC to keep attention on US hikers missing in Iran

Kin speak out on US hikers missing in Iran

NEW YORK — Relatives of three American hikers being held in Iran continue to press their case that the backpackers never had any intention of going there.

Hikers Shane Bauer, Joshua Fattal and Sarah Shourd have been held since they entered Iran from Iraq without authorization on July 31.

Their siblings spoke to the media in New York City on Thursday. They said the three planned their trip carefully and told their families beforehand that they were heading for a scenic part of Iraq — not Iran.

Their friends and families say the travelers crossed the poorly marked border by mistake.

Iran’s state television has said they disregarded border guards’ warnings.