Iraq Releases Detained Russian Bikers

Russian officials say four Russian motorcyclists have been released from Iraqi custody and taken to Moscow's embassy in Baghdad.

The travelers were arrested by Iraqi authorities on May 19 for illegally entering the country from Turkey.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin informed journalists of their handover on May 25.

Russian Foreign Ministry officials said the bikers were making a journey on their motorcycles across the Middle East but did not have Iraqi visas.

Some 500 Russian bikers protested outside the Iraqi Embassy in Moscow on May 24 to demand the immediate release of their four fellow motorcyclists.

Based on reporting by ITAR-TASS and Interfax