100 Days in Detention: Free the Hikers

There are events being held around the U.S. and internationally. Check out the list here.

Two of my good friends are currently being detained in Iran's Evin prison. This Sunday, November 8, will mark 100 days since Sarah and Shane, and their friend Josh, have been held since allegedly crossing into Iran from Iraqi Kurdistan while hiking in the area.

To mark the occasion, to show support for the hikers and their families, and to raise funds for the efforts to free them, myself and friends of Josh are organizing a vigil and fundraiser.  If you're in the NYC area, it'd be great if you could come to one or both.
 
On Sunday, the vigil will run from 4:30 to 5pm at the arch in Washington Square Park. We'll then head to the Town Tavern at 134 W. 3rd St. (between 6th Ave and MacDougal - right by the W 4th St. subway), from 5 to 8pm.  We're asking for a $5+ donation, and inside there will be $3 draft beers and $4 well drinks.  We'll also have petitions to sign, material for sending letters to Sarah, Shane and Josh, a raffle, some food, and other good stuff.
 
Please come if you can and feel free to invite others. For more info on Sarah, Shane and Josh, see Free the Hikers.

Comments

[Zak]

Curious why there is so much focus on them being hikers and so little on other factors (like being journalists and activists for Palestinian causes) that would bring more sympathy in the region and would make it harder for Iran to hold them. Being an "innocent hiker" accidentally crossing a border may be more likely to prevent one from getting arrested in the first place, but it isn't an image likely to get much protest outside of friends and relatives.

I'm not saying they should stray from what they are saying as to the incident where they were arrested (especially if it is true), but a story that focuses on them covering events in Kurdistan and then accidentally crossing the border on a recreational hike (or whatever the case may be), sounds more realistic and presents a picture of them that is less naive and probably overall more sympathetic to those in the region (and probably to most in the US as well).