Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal have endured more than 21 months of uncertainty and isolation for no just reason and I urge the Iranian authorities to allow them finally to return home.
There is no evidence to support the charges against them. The world will be watching the actions of the court on May 11 and judge the proceedings on whether Iran lives up to its commitment to justice and compassion. I trust that Shane and Josh will be judged on the facts alone, which can only result in their immediate release.
Shane and Josh are global citizens, with a record of humanitarian engagement, respect for all cultures and nations, and a dedication to a peaceful and sustainable world. It serves no purpose, and is morally unacceptable, to continue to detain them and subject their families to needless suffering and anxiety -- solely on the basis of their nationality.
Really... "no just reason"? How would you know? The first sentence of this article just flat out says "PAID IN FULL" Come on Mr. Tutu, not you too! How much are the M0sSaD or C1A paying you?
"I trust that Shane and Josh will be judged on the facts alone, which can only result in their immediate release."
I really doubt they will be released if they get convicted on even something as small as trespassing because Iran wants to make an example of potential external elements that could have started the protests. Who knows how many "humanitarians" like the Bauer and Fattal DID get through the border and caused civil unrest.
.... and then the nail in the coffin.... a sentence that completely discredits his opinions from now on....
"to continue to detain them and subject their families to needless suffering and anxiety -- solely on the basis of their nationality"
solely on the basis of their NATIONALITY?? Neoconservatives have said less offensive things.
In conclusion, Desmond Tutu please turn in your Nobel Peace Prize for a copy of the latest National Enquirer.
We are number one in per capita incarceration and many independent people believe that we incarcerate African Americans way more than Americans of European decent for similar crimes.
It really doesn't have to be this way, but when there is no dialog and both sides have entrenched positions then simple matters like hikers wondering where they shouldn't becomes an international incident.
I'm not saying that to be funny, I honestly think its going to happen. Until then I wish them inner peace and justice.
Iran Delays Trial Of US Men Accused Of Spying
May 11, 2011 7:30 PM
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Two Americans who have been held in Iran for nearly two years on espionage charges were denied their day in court Wednesday when Iranian authorities delayed their trial without explanation, prolonging the agonizing uncertainty for families who have been lobbying for their release.
Masoud Shafiei, the Iranian attorney for 28-year-olds Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, told The Associated Press that the two were not brought into court Wednesday for the resumption of their trial, as had been planned. He said Iranian officials gave no immediate explanation. Read more at CBSMinnesota.COM
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/05/11/detained-hiker-trial-postponed-in-iran/
Archbishop Tutu makes a great point:
They are there to serve all of humanity.
They are peace workers.
If Iran is trying to make a parallel between these two -- whom they abducted from outside their own border -- and the CIA's clumsy detention of possible terrorist suspects, it fails. CIA, the Taliban and al Quaeda all live and die by the sword. Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal are blacksmiths, turning swords into tools for humanity. Shane and Josh, hammer me out a giant dove, would you please? Your plight will not be for naught.
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It appears that the change from Bishop Tutu to Desmond Tutu is a simple but profound indicator.
While the whole of Africa is still suffering from occupation, thief, and conflict, the new “Desmond Tutu” publicly supported the violent, bloody, and bias western aggression against Africa's Libya.
Now, with all the issues facing poor and starving Africans, Desmond Tutu has taken up the cause for two of those that suspiciously entered into known, dangerous territory. Will Amanda Knox be next?
The new Desmond Tutu has taken a sharp, bias, and unholy conservative turn, I wonder if he is receiving funding from the old American conservative machine?