A pair of Americans who have been held in Iran for two years have been given eight-year jail sentences. Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal were arrested in 2009, along with their friend Sarah Shourd, after they mistakenly crossed from northern Iraq into Iran while on a hike. Shourd was released in September. Iran’s chief prosecutor said the men were found guilty of illegal entry and espionage. Their trial took place behind closed doors, and the evidence against them has not been made public. The men have adamantly denied the spy charges. Bauer is a freelance journalist who has contributed to Democracy Now! and other news outlets. A lawyer for the men said he would appeal the sentence, which shocked their families and friends.