Created: 08/01/2010 2:45 PM KSTC45.com | Print Story By: Ryan Ruud

Demonstrators Call for Release of American Hikers

President Barack Obama is calling on Iran to immediately release three U.S. hikers detained in the Mideast country.

July 31 marks one year since Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal were seized while on a hiking trip in northern Iraq.

Bauer's mother lives in Minnesota, and on Saturday protesters rallied at the State Capitol demanding their release.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar joined protesters in St. Paul.

Meanwhile, Sen. Al Franken joined Bauer's family in Duluth.

Klobuchar says she doesn't think the hikers should be a pawn in an international game.

Both senators sent a letter to Obama urging him to refocus efforts to secure their release.