Hopes for an immediate release of Josh Fattal early were dashed because of an Iranian judge's vacation plans.
Elkins Park native Fattal and his companion Shane Bauer saw some hope that their 2 1/2 year incarceration was going to end this weekend, as a deal was struck for their release on $1 million bail.
But Fattal's legal team hit a snag, NBC News reported, because one of the two judges who need to sign off on the release order is away on vacation. That judge is not scheduled to return to work until next Tuesday.
"I have no choice but to wait until Tuesday," attorney Masoud Shafiei said.
Fattal, Bauer, and a third hiker, Sarah Shourd were arrested by Iranian authorities in July of 2009. The Iranian government accused the three of spying, a charge they have denied. Shourd was released last year on $500,000 bail.
