Family of Americans in Iran: Case taking too long

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Family members of three Americans facing espionage charges in Iran say news of a Feb. 6 trial date is yet another delay in a case that has taken too long to resolve.

Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal remain in a Tehran prison more than two months after the release of Bauer’s fiance, Sarah Shourd.

Family members say they’re distressed that a second holiday season is approaching without their loved ones, and they hope they’ll be released on humanitarian grounds.

Bauer’s mother, Cindy Hickey of Pine City, Minn., says Bauer’s sisters are both suffering stress-related physical symptoms. Fattal’s brother, Alex Fattal, says last Thanksgiving was one of his worst days since his brother went into captivity and he dreads facing another one.