Merkel Calls For Release Of Foreigners Detained In Iran

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for the release of two foreigners accused of posing as journalists in Iran and attempting to investigate the case of a woman who could face death by stoning for adultery.

Iranian officials have strongly suggested the two were Germans.

They were arrested while interviewing the son of Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani, whose case has triggered an international outcry.

On October 12, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said the two had entered Iran on tourist visas and were arrested because they had "a link to a foreign antirevolution network."

Without confirming their nationality, Merkel said Berlin was "greatly interested" in their release.

The German chancellor was speaking while on a visit to Romania.

compiled from agency reports