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Klobuchar, Franken Call On Iran To Release Hikers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken say they're disappointed about the reported convictions of two U.S. hikers in Iran, and they're asking the Iranian government to reconsider.

Shane Bauer and Joshua Fattal have been sentenced to eight years in prison after their conviction on charges of espionage and illegal entry. Bauer's mother is from Pine City.

The Democratic Klobuchar says the news is continuing evidence of Iran's "callous" treatment of the hikers. She says the prison sentences, like the original charges, are "simply unwarranted."

She asks Iran to release them as a demonstration of goodwill.

Franken says his thoughts and prayers are with the hikers' families. The Democrat says he'll continue to do "everything possible" to see the hikers released and reunited with their families.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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