Play all audios:
As many readers probably know, on July 31, freelancer Shane Bauer, Sara Shourd and Joshua Fattal accidently crossed the Iraqi border into Iran where they are currently held. (Shane’s article
“The Sheikh Down” is in the current issue).
To follow news about the three, or if you’d like to tweet messages of support for them and for their families (highly encouraged), please use the twitter hashtag #ssj (the first letter of
each of their first names).
Oh, and please RT word about the new hashtag! The more voices of concern, the sooner the three are likely to return.
Earlier today, the State Department issued the message below. (I learned of it from someone who tweeted using #ssj.)
The United States is deeply concerned about the welfare of our American citizens who have been detained or are missing in Iran. We once again urge Iran’s leadership to quickly resolve all
outstanding American citizen cases.
This includes the case of the American scholar, Kian Tajbakhsh, who has spent his career working to enhance mutual understanding between Iran and the United States. The government of Iran
should immediately release Mr. Tajbakhsh from detention and allow him to depart Iran to continue his academic pursuits.
Regarding the three American hikers, Joshua Fattal, Shane Bauer, and Sarah Shourd, who were detained by Iranian authorities on July 31, we once again call on the Iranian government to live
up to its obligations under the Vienna Convention by granting consular access and releasing these three young Americans without further delay.
We also remain concerned about the case of Robert Levinson, who has been missing in Iran since March 9, 2007. We call on the Government of Iran to assist in providing any information on his
whereabouts and in ensuring his prompt return to the United States.
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“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends
to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.
No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes
to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real
difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.
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