German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Tuesday for the release of two reporters who were arrested in Iran as they were investigating the stoning sentence of Sakineh Mohammadi- Ashtianti, DPA reported.
The German nationals were alleged to have been working as reporters without accreditation and on tourist visas, as they interviewed the son of Mohammadi-Ashtianti, who has been sentenced to death by stoning on murder and adultery charges.
"We are naturally very concerned that the two citizens are freed," Merkel said during a diplomatic visit to the Romanian capital Bucharest.
"The foreign ministry is doing everything in its power," Merkel said.
A spokesperson for the Iranian justice ministry had announced the arrests on Monday.