Sean Penn Worked To Free Jailed American Hikers In Iran

Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer, American hikers imprisoned in Iran under suspicion of espionage, were freed last week after over two years as hostages. In a diplomatic twist fit for a movie, it seems that they have Oscar winning actor Sean Penn to thank.

Reuters reports that Penn, whose political activism resume is nearly as deep as that of his film career, helped secure Fattal and Bauer's release by flying to Venezuela and appealing to President Hugo Chavez. The country's deputy foreign minister told the news service that Chavez then spoke to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad about the situation, eventually leading to the end of the imprisonment.

"Penn was very committed to the case ... He flew to Caracas several months ago to raise it with Chavez and he kept on it," a source told Reuters.

When reached by The Hollywood Reporter for comment, Penn's representative admitted that he was involved in the process but did not give details.

Penn defended Chavez and called for an end to economics sanctions put on Venezuela in an article for The Huffington Post in June.

"The American people have grown accustomed to hearing the Venezuelan president referred to as a dictator, not only by media representatives but by members of the leadership in both parties," the actor wrote. "This is a defamation, not only to President Chavez, but also to the majority of Venezuelan people, poor people who have elected him president time and time again. This is not a dictator supported by the wealthy classes, but rather, a president elected by the impoverished and at the service of the Venezuelan constitution, a document not unlike our own."

Penn also has a history with Iran, having visited the country as a journalist for a series of articles written for the San Francisco Chronicle back in 2005.

Having most recently appeared in "The Tree of Life," Penn will next star in the drama, "This Must Be The Place." He's currently filming "The Gangster Squad," with Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin and Emma Stone.

Comments

[ex-eye-in-the-sky]

12:21 AM on 09/28/2011

Bravo to Sean Penn. New Orleans, Haiti, and now the hikers jailed in Iran. And he does these things to help people, regardless of what his detractors say about him. People in serious trouble have a good friend & champion in Sean Penn.

[Christina-Xena]

08:27 PM on 09/27/2011

Sean Penn, at least his public reputation, has now successfully transitioned from a youthful brat, to a genuine caring man/actor who is willing to go behind the scenes and work quietly than toot his own successes in helping others.

He deserves our public and fnancial support of his further humanitarian aid efforts.

Bravo Mr. Penn!

[shyhon]

06:09 PM on 09/28/2011

Why does he deserve my support more than my local foodbank, homeless shelter, church/temple working with my community to help those in need?
Actually, I think the bar and expectation level should be much higher on these loud-mouthed Hollywood multi-millionaires who only work part time, have an enoumous staff to assist them, virtually unlimited funds.
Your average PTA mom/dad, homeless shelter volunteer, candystripper at the local hospital puts in more time and relative financial help than these woodies' who drag out their notiriaty every once in a while for a worthy cause.
When they are pawing through used clothing to sort it, hoping they don't hit a needle or used syringe, or walking in the summer heat locating the homeless to give them water bottles and shelter information; when they do it incognito, drawing no attention to themselves, then I'll be impressed.

[Jake Thomas]

02:56 AM on 10/21/2011

Most people I volunteer with cannot afford publicists or camera crews to follow them around to document their "good deeds".

[MoonBeamWatcher]

01:39 PM on 10/15/2011

BS! The Salvation Army is the ONLY true Charity!

From R-d cross leaders salary of millions to planned parent hoods
Tax Money paid to MD's and Directors while not reporting 40 year old guys
who deliver 15yr old girls to be "Fixed" and returned to the streets.
Do good deeds, like "Sallies Army" without fanfair and cellibration!

[Carol Gordy]

03:41 PM on 09/27/2011

This Man Is A REAL LIFE HERO IN OUR DAY!

[Jeff McConnell]

09:02 PM on 09/27/2011

So flying to Venezuela aand talking to his buddy while enoying every luxury makes him a hero? What did he risk?

[BenHurt]

10:32 PM on 09/27/2011

Well, Jeff, old buddy, just what have you done for anyone lately? Come on, tell us. You must be someone worthy of admiration if you can be a cynic about Penn's efforts. Tell us, hero. We're waiting.

[mfoto1986]

06:12 AM on 09/28/2011

Umm Hellllloooo -- he helped two fellow Americans to be released from prison. Seriously, what you have to say or belittling his effort on this process is pretty much irrelevant at this point. LOL

[MoonBeamWatcher]

01:39 PM on 10/15/2011

BS! Live in a sandcastle if you choose, just don't expect me to dust it!

[Michael Samra]

01:06 PM on 09/27/2011

Its funny that there was no mention of Sean Penn by the two guys that were released in the video which makes me wonder how much he had to do with their release.I see no mention of SP by the AP either.It is a noble gesture what he did but I highly he was the reason for their release.

[mmsuki]

02:48 PM on 09/27/2011

They may not have realized he was involved until they heard it in the media.

[appacom]

03:32 PM on 09/27/2011

They did mention Penn by name, in glowing terms.

[cdiasmd]

01:00 PM on 09/27/2011

If he is so committed, why did Penn wait two years to ask Chavez for help?

[OutAtFirst]

02:04 PM on 09/27/2011

Every silver lining has a dark cloud, I guess.

[mmsuki]

02:49 PM on 09/27/2011

Perhaps he thought the usual diplomatic procedures would work, then realized they couldn't.

[ADP4]

12:44 PM on 09/27/2011

So beautiful to see them reunited with their families. And such generosity of spirit to use their short time in front of the cameras to also speak up for others unjustly imprisoned.

[oldstudent10]

12:28 PM on 09/27/2011

If Penn's involvement helped - great. We really don't know but one wants to think the best of people.

I think the 1 million ransom had a huge effect on the Iranians though. The culture is all about face-saving and embarassing your foes in your own eyes.

[bogey1]

12:08 PM on 09/27/2011

i wonder when we'll see FAUX news or SUN-TV pick up this story?

yeah, yeah, I know, when hell freezes over....

[lambdin1]

12:01 PM on 09/27/2011

Sean Penn has a conscience! Thanks Mr. Penn!

[mmsuki]

02:50 PM on 09/27/2011

Ridiculous comment---you mean he has no brain because he doesn't agree with you politically.

[LMPE]

11:53 AM on 09/27/2011

Penn's detractors just lost a major part of their argument.

[Just a passerby]

12:52 PM on 09/27/2011

they never had one.

But it didn't stop them. No surprise, really.

[Euphoria123]

02:41 PM on 09/27/2011

Never had one? OK lol I love how long it took him to talk to his pal.

[vlynnieg]

11:14 AM on 09/27/2011

Sean did commendable effort in helping Haiti and stayed there physically helping for quite a while...even after a lot of others packed up and went home.

[Jake Thomas]

11:00 AM on 09/27/2011

From thumping on Madonna to stumping for Chavez. I have to say I loved him in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

[Tom Horne]

10:39 AM on 09/27/2011

One things for sure, Sean Penn isn't working for the CIA.

[bogey1]

12:08 PM on 09/27/2011

but i bet he's got a very big file with them and the FBI

[yomam]

09:47 AM on 09/27/2011

of course he did. his pal sadam is gone, his other buddy chavez is soon to be gone, so he's looking for a new bff in iranian prez ahmadshamalamadingdong.

[Eugene Berkovich]

10:43 AM on 09/27/2011

Why do you put a democratically (AND CONSTITUTIONALLY) elected president of a country in the same sentence as the one time US-supported dictator Saddam Hussein?

[Just a passerby]

06:55 PM on 09/27/2011

because he doesn't know anything?

[pasquamar]

10:47 AM on 09/27/2011

Saddam just an FYI

[BartRoberts]

09:37 AM on 09/27/2011

Good for Sean Penn. I used to think he was a bit of a schmuckele, but he's turned out these last few years to be a real mensch.