Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Appeals To Iran To Free Two Americans

Shane Bauer (left) and Josh Fattal, detained in Iran on spying charges

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali, one of the most prominent U.S. Muslims, has appealed to Iran's supreme leader to free two Americans held since July 2009 on suspicion of espionage.

Jeanie Kahnke, a spokeswoman for the Muhammad Ali Center in Kentucky, said the 69-year-old former world heavyweight champion issued his plea last month to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal were arrested along the Iraq border. They say they may have inadvertently crossed into Iran while hiking.

A third American, Sarah Shourd, was released on $500,000 bail in September and returned home.

Reuters