Muhammad Ali Asks Iran To Free U.S. Hikers
msnbc / AP
16-Mar-2011 (2 comments)

LOUISVILLE (AP) - Boxing champ Muhammad Ali is asking Iran to release two American hikers held since 2009 on spy charges.

Ali, arguably the most prominent U.S. Muslim, released the letter he wrote to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to The Associated Press exclusively Wednesday.

The Feb. 1 letter asks Khameini to release Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer, who were arrested while hiking in northern Iraq near the Iranian border. A third hiker, Sarah Shoud, was released on bail in September, shortly after Ali first wrote to Khamenei.

Ali's letter asks Khamenei as a brother in

>>>
recommended by yolanda

Balatarin
Share/Save/Bookmark

 
Esfand Aashena

I wrote a blog about Muhammad Ali today.

by Esfand Aashena on Thu Mar 17, 2011 08:27 AM PDT

Muhammad Ali my childhood hero

Everything is sacred


  •  
yolanda

..............

by yolanda on Wed Mar 16, 2011 07:56 PM PDT

Muhammad Ali's letter to Khamenei:

//www.washingtonpost.com/here-is-the-text-of-the-letter-sent-by-muhammad-ali-to-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-in-iran/2011/03/16/ABcDbIg_story.html

**********************

Inshallah, I pray this letter finds you in good health.

I write you today to ask your mercy for the two men, Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer, who are currently being held by Iranian authorities. I am humbled by the compassion you gave to their young female friend Sarah Shourd, by allowing her to return to her family. I ask the same mercy and compassion be given to them as well.

My last visit to Tehran was some years ago but I remember it as if it were yesterday. The people were so kind and beautiful. Most Americans don’t know how warm and welcoming the Iranian people can be. One day, I hope I am able to return to Tehran to stand, greet and be among my Iranian brothers and sisters once again. Perhaps that day will come soon.

Please show the world the compassion I know you have in your heart. Allah is most merciful. I remain your brother in Islam, always.

With much love and respect,

Muhammad Ali

**************************

I am deeply touched!


  •