Iran Prez Offers Liittle Hope on US Hikers' Release

[tekisui]

Source: AP

BRASILIA, Brazil — Iran's president says it's up to his nation's judicial system to determine whether three American hikers detained in his country will be released or punished.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says the hikers entered Iran illegally and that a judge will decide their fate. He said he hopes the punishment is not severe.

The Americans were detained by Iranian authorities after having crossed an unmarked border into Iran while hiking in northern Iraq in July. The U.S. says the three were innocent tourists on an adventure hike and accidentally crossed into Iran.

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