Iran pardons Swedes convicted of spying

17 Apr, 2007 00:12 / Updated 17 years ago

The Iranian authorities have released two Swedish men convicted of espionage. Construction workers Stefan Johansson and Jari Hjortmar were sentenced to three years in jail last May after photographing military facilities.

The men, who say they have been treated well, were handed over to Swedish diplomats and visiting lawmakers on Monday night.Iran's foreign ministry says the country is showing good will by pardoning the pair.Earlier this month, the Islamic state released 15 British naval personnel after holding them thirteen days for allegedly entering Iranian waters.