3rd Letter from Desmond Tutu

I applaud Iran for allowing the mothers of Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal and Sarah Shourd to travel to Tehran to visit their children in Evin Prison. This humane action speaks to Iran’s understanding of the anguish these families have experienced for too long. We must all now hope and pray that this emotional reunion will not be short- lived.

Shane, Josh and Sarah are simply three idealistic young people who are paying a very high price for the political tensions between the United States and Iran. I trust that the Iranian authorities will witness the joy this reunion brings to these families and take the logical next step and release Shane, Josh and Sarah into the loving arms of their mothers. I am certain that people around the world will applaud Iran for its compassion and humanity if, as I hope, the authorities conclude they can return home together.

Archbishop Desmond M Tutu
15 June 2010

2nd Letter from Desmond Tutu

I urgently call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to release Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal and Sarah Shourd on humanitarian grounds. Nine months after these three young people were detained, there is a pressing need for Iran finally to release them into the care of their loving and anguished families.

Since I last spoke on behalf of Shane, Josh and Sarah in February, their emotional state has deteriorated significantly. They are suffering from desperation and hopelessness and have considered the extreme step of a hunger strike. This would have grave consequences for their health, in particular for Shane and Sarah, who are both sick.

A nation of Iran’s stature should not act in a cruel and inhumane manner, or punish innocent individuals for the disagreements that exist with the United States. Shane, Josh and Sarah have done no wrong. Iran should act in accordance with the universal principles of justice, compassion and humanity and set them free.

Archbishop Desmond M Tutu
27 April 2010

1st Letter from Desmond Tutu

I appeal to the Iranian authorities to find it in their hearts to act in accordance with the principles of justice and compassion and release Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal without delay.

These young people have been detained in Iran for over six months and it is difficult to escape the conclusion that they continue to be held because they are Americans and not for any legal reason. I urge the Iranian authorities not to deny them their freedom in order to express their discontent with the United States. Nations have a right to disagree but their citizens should not be made to pay the price of their differences.

It is time for Shane, Sarah and Josh to return to their families, whose anguish and pain are mounting with each day that passes. These are good people, whose lives are filled with good deeds and great promise. Please allow them to go free and continue on the path of peace, harmony and understanding that they have chosen to pursue.

Archbishop Desmond M Tutu
1 February 2010