One of three U. California-Berkeley graduates detained by Iran while hiking near the Iran-Iraq border will be released Saturday, major media outlets reported Thursday.
According to reports, reporters received a text message from Iranian officials stating that one prisoner will be released on Saturday at 9 a.m. to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
“Offering congratulations on Eid al-Fitr, the release of one of the detained Americans will be Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Estaghlal hotel,” the text message reportedly read, referring to the holiday that marks Ramadan’s end.
It is unknown which of the three detainees – Sarah Shourd, Shane Bauer or Josh Fattal – will be released.
The three have been detained for over a year after being captured on July 31, 2009 while hiking near the Iran-Iraq border. They were accused of trespassing and espionage by Iranian officials, but a June report by The Nation magazine revealed the hikers were actually seized on Iraqi soil.