American hiker released on bail by Iran

Bloomberg reports that Sarah Shourd, who was imprisoned on charges of espionage, suffers from depression and recently discovered a lump in her breast, leading an Iranian judge to release her “based on her illness.”

Iranian national prosecutor Abbas Jafari-Dolatabadi commented that there were still “enough reasons” to detain Sarah for espionage, but that the decision was a matter for the judge.

Bail was posted at $500,000, but it is unclear who paid and at what amount. Some speculate that it may have been met by a U.S. ally in the Middle East.

The two other hikers — Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal — remain in custody.

The three say they were arrested after accidentally crossing into Iran from Iraqi Kurdistan while on a hiking tour. 

President Obama released a statement Tuesday afternoon noting Shourd’s release.

“I am very pleased that Sarah Shourd has been released by the Iranian government, and will soon be united with her family,” the statement read in part. “All Americans join with her courageous mother and family in celebrating her long-awaited return home. We are grateful to the Swiss, the Sultanate of Oman, and other friends and allies around the world who have worked tirelessly and admirably over the past several months to bring about this joyous reunion.”

Obama also urged Iran to release Bauer and Fattal, whom he said have “committed no crime,” and promised that the administration will “continue to do everything we can” to secure their release.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), who represents parts of the Bay Area, also released a statement Tuesday. 

“As we look forward to welcoming Sarah home, we must acknowledge that
this tragedy will not be resolved until she is joined by her friends,
Joshua Fattal and Shane Bauer, who remain unfairly imprisoned and
separated from the outside world,” it read. “I am hopeful that today’s uplifting development is an indication that
the Government of Iran plans to meet these calls for justice, and that
we will witness the swift release of Joshua and Shane as soon as
possible.”

Shourd is an alumna of U.C. Berkeley, which is located in Lee’s
district.

This post was updated at 12:06 and 12:30 pm.