The Hill News

Officials released statements Friday urging Iran to release the three American hikers detained one year ago.

Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Robert Casey (D-Pa.) and Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) introduced a resolution to "immediately and unconditionally release" the three and allow them to return to the United States.

They also sent a letter to President Obama urging him to redouble his efforts on the hikers' behalf.

Sarah Shourd, Shane Bauer, and Josh Fattal were detained by Iranian authorities while hiking in Iraqi Kurdistan last July. According to reports, they have been held without either charges or a pending trial.

Obama also released a statement Friday in which he noted the one-year anniversary of their capture and clarified to Iran that "Sarah, Shane and Josh have never worked for the United States government."

"As a signatory to multiple conventions on human rights, the! government of Iran should act in line with the principles of justice, and allow Sarah, Shane and Josh to be reunited with their families. This call has been echoed by people in many countries, and is shared by all who respect human freedom and decency," the statement read.

It went on:

"They are simply open-minded and adventurous young people who represent the best of America, and of the human spirit. They are teachers, artists, and advocates for social and environmental justice. They have never had any quarrel with the government of Iran, and have great respect for the Iranian people."

Protests noting the one-year anniversary are to be held across the country and in Paris on Saturday.