Iran Offers to Free U.S. Hiker for a Cool $500,000

Three U.S. hikers were detained by Iranian authorities more than a year ago, adding to already simmering tensions between the Islamic republic and the U.S. Now Tehran says it is ready to free the female member of the captive trio if a $500,000 bail is paid.  —JCL

The BBC:

Iranian authorities are ready to release one of the three US hikers detained last year, state media has reported.

Tehran chief prosecutor Abbas Jafari-Dolatabadi said Sarah Shourd, 32, would be freed when $500,000 (£325,000) bail was paid, and could leave the country.

A senior White House official described the Iranian statement as “hopeful”.

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Flickr / FreeTheHikers

Sarah Shourd is said to be seriously ill in captivity in Iran.