Muhammad Ali asks Supreme Leader of Iran to pardon Americans

Muhammad Ali asks Iran to free Americans

Muhammad Ali has sent a letter to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, to pardon and free two Americans being held in Iranian prison because they are suspected as spies for Washington.

The families of Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer said Muhammad Ali, a known Muslim and boxing champion, issued a statement thanking the legendary fighter for helping their cause.

"We are deeply grateful to Mr. Ali and the many other people around the world who know that Shane and Josh absolutely do not deserve to be in prison," the statement said. "We hope and pray that Iran hears this appeal and responds with compassion. It is time for this nightmare to end."

The two men's companion, Sarah Shourd, was released by Iranian authorities on $500,000 bail earlier in September.

In his letter dated February 1, Muhammad Ali touched on his Tehran visit when he was welcomed warmly by the Iranian people.

"I am humbled by the compassion you gave to their young female friend Sarah Shourd, by allowing her to return to her family. I ask the same mercy and compassion be given to them as well," Ali wrote.

The three Americans were living in the Middle East for some time and took a vacation in the Kurdistan region of Iraq when they were detained by Iranian border guards. They were subsequently charged with espionage by Iranian authorities.

The detention of the Americans have further strained U.S. relations with Iran, and the families of the two men are now hoping they can finally be released with the help of Muhammad Ali.

Posted by Andre Monohan on Thursday March 17 2011, 5:23 AM EST. Ref: Reuters. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0