Family Of Hiker Imprisoned In Iran Holds Fundraiser In Center City
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A second court appearance is scheduled for next week for two American hikers being held in Iran and local supporters are helping to raise money for their defense with a special event in Center City.
It may be a somber "happy hour" at Tavern on Broad Friday night when the mother and brother of captured hiker Josh Fattal speak. Alison Moser, who's helping to co-ordinate the fundraiser for the non-profit "Free the Hikers," says Laura and Alex Fattal of Elkins Park, Pa. want to keep public attention on Josh and his friend Shane Bauer.
"These guys have been in prison for almost two years now, and it's sad because it seems like they're diplomatic pawns more than anything else," Moser said. "We just want to bring 'em back. They didn't do anything wrong and they don't even speak the language; it would be hard to spy on someone without knowing how to communicate with them."
Moser says "Free the Hikers" is helping the families pay for lawyers and translators for Fattal and Bauer.
Reported by Pat Loeb, KYW Newsradio
