Detained Americans’ families relieved by woman’s release, appeal to Iran to also free 2 men

Detained Americans’ families relieved, heartbroken

MINNEAPOLIS — The families of three Americans detained in Iran say they’re relieved one woman has been released, but heartbroken her two friends remain in custody.

In a Tuesday statement, the families applaud Iranian authorities for showing compassion for Sarah Shourd. The also call on the government to immediately release her companions, saying Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal “deserve to come home too.”

Sarah Shourd’s mother, Nora, says in the statement that she’s prayed for her daughter’s release for 410 days and can’t wait to “wrap Sarah in my arms and hold her close.”

Nora Shourd says she will ensure her daughter the space she needs to recover from her ordeal.

Iran freed Shourd on $500,000 bail Tuesday. The three were arrested more than a year ago along Iran’s border with Iraq.