LOVED ONES HOLD MN VIGIL FOR IMPRISONED HIKERS IN IRAN

The hikers have been imprisoned for over 250 days
MINNEAPOLIS—Half a world away, friends and family members continue to fight for the freedom of three Americans detained in Iran. One of them is from the Minnesota. They’re accused of spying, but for the past 250 days, they have been waiting in an Iranian jail.
Supporters release 250 bio-degradable balloons at Shakopee Hope Vigil
To help the trio get home, the family of Minnesotan Shane Bauer released 250 balloons on Sunday to mark the 250 days he and his two friends have been held in Iran. The number is actually at 254 and Bauer’s whole family is keeping track.
Everyday, friends and family of Bauer, his girlfriend Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal find ways to not lose hope.
Al Bauer is Shane Bauer’s dad, and for 254 days, he’s been searching for ways to help his son and his two friends make their way out of Iran.
The government there has accused them of being spies. The three were captured after the hikers’ families say they unknowingly crossed into the country from Iraq.
Until then, the Bauer’s and their close friends will continue to lean on each other for help getting through the bad days. They are also sharing the hikers’ story on freethehikers.org . It is a website where people can track the latest developments and leave encouraging messages for the family.
Several of these vigils were held Sunday across the country, including the hometowns of the other two hikers.