Update 17:05 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The two US men who were jailed by Iran after hiking in the Iranian border area are reported by the Iranian state news agency to be free and en route home, and AP is reporting that a convoy has left Evin Prison, with Swiss and Omani diplomats and police and possibly the two men.
Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal have been held by Iran since they were arrested in July 2009 while hiking with Sarah Shourd. She was released and sent home on $500,000 bail, and the release of the men is also reportedly for similar bail. The two men were sentenced to eight years in prison for spying.
Switzerland, which represents US affairs in Iran, has been actively involved in negotiations to free the Americans but the Swiss government has remained mum on the affair.
