Yusef Islam, the British musician previously known as Cat Stevens, has appealed on behalf of the two men, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, in a video posted on YouTube.
The two men were told last week that their third trial session has now been scheduled for May 11. They are charged with espionage and with illegally entering Iran.
Yusuf Islam’s 45-second video notes the lack of evidence against the men and appeals for their swift release.
Earlier this year, former boxing champion Mohammad Ali wrote Supreme Leader Ali Khamenehi with a similar appeal. Ali’s letter had not been answered.