Iran 'To Free Jailed American On Bail'

Sky News Online

An American woman accused of spying who was jailed in Iran will be released on bail, reports have said.

Sarah Shourd has been in custody for over a year, suspected of illegally crossing the border between Iraq and Iran in July 2009.

She and fellow Americans Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal were arrested and also charged with spying.

Their families have said the three were hiking in northern Iraq and if they crossed the border, they did so unwittingly.

There was confusion on Saturday as to whether Ms Shourd would be released after Iran's President requested she be set free as an act of clemency at the end of Ramadan.

Last week, state media said Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had secured the 31-year-old's release because of the "special viewpoint of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the dignity of women".

However, just hours before she was due to leave prison, judiciary officials blocked the move.

They demanded Ms Shourd must stand trial before an amnesty could be granted.

Now, Iranian TV has reported that a senior prosecutor was ready to release the American woman on $500,000 (£325,700) bail.

English language Press TV quoted Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi as saying: "The American spy could be released on $500,000 bail.

"She is not barred from leaving Iran... The other two detained American hikers will remain in jail."

Ms Shourd has been held in solitary confinement during her time in prison.

Her mother has claimed she has been denied treatment for serious health problems, including a breast lump and precancerous cervical cells.

Mr Dolatabadi was quoted as saying Ms Shourd's medical concerns were the reason for her release, but did no say when she would be freed.