Clinton says no basis for Iranian charge against detained American hikers, appeals for release

Clinton: Iran charges on US hikers unfounded

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says Iranian charges of espionage against three detained Americans are “totally unfounded” and she is appealing to authorities to release them immediately.

Clinton told reporters on Monday that the three were in no way involved in any questionable activity and were simply hiking near the Iraq-Iran border in late July when they allegedly crossed an unmarked border. Clinton’s comments came after Iran’s foreign minister said the three had “suspicious aims” and would stand trial.

Iranian officials have said earlier the trio are suspected of espionage. The Americans — 27-year-old Shane Bauer, 31-year-old Sarah Shourd and 27-year-old Josh Fattal — were detained after crossing the border from northern Iraq on July 31.