+Pastor Saeed Abedini: Beaten and Forcibly Removed From Hospital & Returned to Iranian Prison
After spending two months in an Iranian hospital, we learned today that Pastor Saeed Abedini was removed from the hospital and taken back to Rajai Shahr Prison.
The transfer came without any advance notice and family members in Iran confirmed that he was severely beaten at the hospital and then forcibly returned to prison.
The reason for the transfer is unclear and according to family members, one of the guards who was involved in the transfer mentioned the Iranian nuclear talks as a possible motive.
"This is an extremely disappointing development - one that breaks my heart," said Naghmeh Abedini, Pastor Saeed's wife. "Our family is deeply saddened and we continue to pray for Saeed - for his safety and his release. We are very grateful that so many people around the world continue to pray for Saeed."
When Pastor Saeed was transferred to the hospital in March, he was initially shackled by guards who lashed out violently against him. He was also denied medical treatment at that time and family members were prohibited from seeing him. Since then and in the weeks that followed, Pastor Saeed's situation at the hospital improved. Family members were permitted to visit with him frequently and he was provided with nutritional meals.
Pastor Saeed, a U.S. citizen, turned 34 on May 7th and his return to prison comes as efforts continue in this country and abroad to secure his release. Nearly 260,000 people from around the world already have signed on to our petition for his freedom. If you haven't done so, please add your name today.
Publish Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 15:55:10 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+American Pastor Saeed Writes Easter Message as a Prisoner in the Darkness of Iran
American Pastor Saeed Abedini wrote the following Easter message from his hospital room serving an eight year sentence for his Christian faith in Iran.
Crucifying the resurrected “self” with Christ and resurrects our death faith with Christ.
Happy Resurrection Day.
On the Eve of Good Friday and Easter I was praying from my hospital room for my fellow Christians in the world. What the Holy Spirit revealed to me in prayer was that there are many dead faiths in the midst of Christians today. That Christians all over the world are not able to fully reach their spiritual potential that has been given to them as a gift by God so that in reaching that potential, the curtain can be removed and the Glory of God would be revealed.
Some times we want to experience the Glory and resurrection with Jesus without experiencing death with Him. We do not realize that unless we pass through the path of death with Christ, we are not able to experience resurrection with Christ.
We want to have a good and successful marriage, career, education and family life (which is also God’s desire and plan for our life). But we forget that in order to experience the Resurrection and Glory of Christ we first have to experience death with Christ and to die to ourselves and selfish desires.
Jesus said to His Disciples: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)
This means that we should not do things that we like to do (that God does not want us to do) and to do things that we do not like to do (but God wants us to do) so that He may be glorified.
So in addition to spending our days and night in doing the works of faith as described above, we should also transform our death faiths into living and active faiths through the resurrection of Christ which is an active and constructive love that is effective.
In conclusion, let us resurrect our Dead faiths to living faiths by first dying to our selfish “resurrected” self and experiencing the cross of Jesus. Then we are able to experience the Glorious resurrection with Christ.
A Glorious life with Christ starts only after a painful death (to self) with Christ.
We will start with Christ.
Pastor Saeed Abedini Prisoner in the Darkness in Iran, but free for the Kingdom and Light
Please continue to pray for Pastor Saeed as we continue fighting for his release and sign the petition for his freedom.
Publish Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2014 03:13:38 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Easter: A Time to Pray for the Persecuted, a Time to Defend Life
Like many others, when I gather with my family on Easter, we will celebrate the risen Savior. At the same time, we are in the midst of the Passover season, the season of freedom for the Israelites.
With Easter and Passover, we celebrate life, we celebrate freedom, and we celebrate our eternal hope.
Yet as we celebrate, our brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering for their faith. In Egypt, Christians are facing the turmoil and oppression of upheaval, still reeling from the oppressive rule of the Muslim Brotherhood and facing an uncertain future. In Syria, radical jihadist rebels have destroyed Christian villages. In Iran, many Christians face prison, or worse, merely because they’re Christian.
American Pastor Saeed Abedini has become the face of Christian persecution around the world. Thankfully, he is now in a hospital, and not his prison cell. But he desperately needs medical care for internal injuries he received from prison beatings, and more importantly, this U.S. citizen needs to be returned home to his loving family in America.
But it’s not just those who are suffering for their faith who we should remember, but also the hundreds of thousands of innocent lives that are snuffed out each year by the horrors of legalized abortion right here in America.
Not only are we constantly working to stop this travesty, but we’re fighting to defund Planned Parenthood, America’s largest abortion business, which our tax dollars fund to the tune of half a billion dollars each year. We’re also in court in places like New York City to defend pro-life pregnancy centers. These pro-life centers provide hope to women in their greatest time of need while literally saving the lives of unborn children.
We are resolved to defend religious liberty, those who are persecuted for their faith, and the innocent lives of the unborn.
This Easter, please pray for Pastor Saeed, the persecuted Church, and all those working to save the lives of the unborn.
Indeed, He is risen! And through His life we have hope. Happy Easter.
Publish Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2014 18:00:35 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+US Pastor Saeed Remains in Iranian Hospital, Instead of Prison
American Pastor Saeed Abedini remains in a hospital room instead of a prison cell. As we reported in mid-March, Pastor Saeed was taken from Rajai Shahr Prison to a hospital where he has received and continues to receive medication.
Family members reported that a physician actually examined him yesterday. He is still suffering from internal injuries he received in prison.
There's no word on how long Pastor Saeed will remain hospitalized. Family members who were able to visit with him this weekend said it's clear the time he has spent in the hospital is a significant improvement over how he was being treated in prison.
According to his family, he is receiving meals and medicine - but the much-needed surgery to address internal injuries has not yet occurred.
We continue to pray for Pastor Saeed - that his health will improve and that he will be re-united with his wife and two young children who live in the United States.
We also remain hopeful that in addition to getting the medical care he so desperately needs, that Iranian officials display the kind of humanitarian treatment that often accompanies the start of the Iranian New Year which began on March 21st. This is the time of year when the Iranian government frequently offers clemency to prisoners of conscience.
As you know, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif recently told the media that clemency for Pastor Saeed could be possible. It is our hope and prayer that such action occurs.
It is a critical time to stand in support of Pastor Saeed. Pray for him. Sign the petition for his freedom at BeHeardProject.com.
Share his critical plight with everyone you know. It is time for this 33-year-old U.S. citizen to come home. It's time for him to be reunited with his wife, Naghmeh, and their two children, Rebekka and Jacob.
Publish Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 17:43:18 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+A Glimmer of Hope - Sekulow Ep. 304
A possibility for clemency for Pastor Saeed?
Publish Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 07:43:28 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+US, Germany Raise Pastor Saeed’s Case by Name at UN Human Rights Council
This week, at the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva, representatives of the United States and Germany raised American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s case by name. (See video above.)
The meeting today focused on the report of Ahmed Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as part of the 31st Meeting 25th Regular Session of Human Rights Council.
Germany’s First Secretary of the Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Ms. Gudrun Masloch, specifically mentioned Pastor Saeed and noted how he has been withheld critical medical treatment in violation of his human rights.
The U.S. also presented remarks today, directly calling for Pastor Saeed’s release.
Paula Schriefer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, Head of the U.S. Delegation to the 25th Human Rights Council, stated:
Despite Iran’s change of administration, we have witnessed no significant improvement in Iran’s overall human rights situation. While Iran has begun to shift its rhetoric on human rights, the United States remains deeply concerned that Iran continues to suppress free expression and civil society, harass members of its ethnic and religious minority populations, and imprison human rights defenders and journalists for political purposes. . . .
Religious minorities, from non-Shia Muslims to Baha’is, are subject to similar harsh treatment simply for practicing their religious beliefs. We take this opportunity to call once again for the release of dual U.S.-Iranian citizen Saeed Abedini, who is currently being held in Iran on charges related to his religious beliefs.
We welcome these efforts by the U.S. State Department and the German government to continue placing pressure on Iran to release Pastor Saeed. He remains in an Iranian hospital, free of shackles this week, because of continued public and international pressure on Iran. Yet, he has still been refused the critical medical treatment, surgery, that even Iranian prison doctors say he needs because of internal injuries he sustained from prison beatings.
We are hopeful that persistent pressure from both the U.S. State Department and the international community will lead to Pastor Saeed’s release. We cannot be silent as one of our own – a U.S. citizen – suffers for his faith, wrongfully imprisoned in Iran.
More than 200,000 have signed a petition at BeHeardProject.com calling for Iran to grant Pastor Saeed clemency – freedom. As the Iranian new year quickly approaches at the end of this week, March 21st, Iran has a critical opportunity to release Pastor Saeed in a season that is traditional to grant clemency in Iran.
Please continue to pray, share Pastor Saeed’s story, and sign the petition for his freedom.
Publish Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 21:27:38 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Jay Sekulow on Fox News: Pastor Saeed's Situation Worsens
Jay and Naghmeh join Tucker Carlson on FOX & Friends to discuss the dangerous situation Pastor Saeed is facing while in an Iranian prison.
Publish Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 16:16:11 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+After the Outcry of Thousands American Pastor Saeed Unshackled But Still Untreated
Yesterday, we shared with you disturbing news about how Pastor Saeed Abedini was denied much needed medical treatment, shackled, refused visits from family, and ordered to return to his prison cell. Your outcry was immense, and today we are seeing results of your continued pressure.
Thousands took to Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sharing what was happening to Pastor Saeed and asking for prayer. Thousands more prayed for his situation.
Today, we are learning that Iranian officials have reversed course. Pastor Saeed has been unshackled, allowed to stay in the hospital, and family who is still in Iran has been able to see him this morning. However, even with this positive development, the reality is that he has still not been treated. He is in critical need of surgery after prolonged internal injuries he received from prison beatings.
A week and a half ago he was quietly moved from Rajai Shahr Prison to a private hospital in Iran and promised medical treatment. Then yesterday, without explanation, Iranian guards banned family members and lashed out violently. Pastor Saeed was shackled, refused any medical treatment, and ordered to return to prison.
A family member in Iran then went to Iranian prison officials and asked for an explanation. The prison official told him the whole ordeal – the shackles, the refused medical treatment, and the order to return to prison – was a “mistake.”
The warden then called the hospital and ordered that Pastor Saeed be unchained and permitted to visit the family member. The family member was able to visit with Pastor Saeed briefly at the hospital. He was not in shackles but had not received any medical treatment.
The voices and prayers of the worldwide community truly have made and continue to make a difference. We will continue to put pressure on Iran to provide the vital medical treatment that Pastor Saeed so desperately needs.
It’s extremely disturbing that the Iranian government continues to play games with the life of this U.S. citizen – who has been imprisoned in Iran for a year and a half now simply because of his Christian faith. We are continuing to fight for Pastor Saeed’s freedom. Right now a legal team from both our U.S. and international offices is meeting with world leaders at the United Nations office in Geneva on his behalf.
Pastor Saeed is unshackled but still untreated.
It is imperative that the American people and world leaders around the globe continue to speak out for Pastor Saeed – a U.S. citizen – call for medical treatment, and most importantly demand that he be allowed to return home to his wife and children.
The start of the Iranian new year on March 21st is often a time when the Iranian government offers clemency to prisoners of conscience. Iran has a very visible window of opportunity in the week ahead – to act on earlier comments from Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif who told the media that clemency for Pastor Saeed could be possible. It’s time for Iran to act and to free Pastor Saeed now so he can get the medical attention he needs and return to his family.
Continue to raise your voice. Pray for Pastor Saeed. Sign the petition for his freedom at BeHeardProject.com. Share his critical plight with everyone you know. Your voice continues to have a tremendous impact.
With your help, we can bring 33-year-old Pastor Saeed – an innocent man imprisoned for his faith – back home to his loving wife and adoring children here in the U.S.
Publish Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 16:37:22 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+American Pastor Saeed Abedini Taken to Hospital, But Shackled and Forced to Return Untreated
American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s case has taken a turn for the worse. He has been shackled and refused medical treatment at a hospital, as Iranian guards forcibly ban visitors.
A little over a week ago, Pastor Saeed – a U.S. citizen – was moved from Rajai Shahr Prison to a private hospital in Iran. He was told he would receive further tests on his deteriorating medical condition and undergo surgery to address chronic pain in his stomach area – the result of numerous prison beatings.
For the past week and a half, he has undergone various tests and received much needed nourishment. This had been a very positive development and much needed reprieve for Pastor Saeed.
Today, that all changed. This morning Iranian guards lashed out violently against Pastor Saeed and an elderly relative who had been able to visit him in the hospital. Pastor Saeed was pinned down and shackled. His elderly relative was roughly handled and expelled from the hospital.
The guards stated that they had a court order banning visitors and instructing that he be shacked at all times. Hospital doctors also told Pastor Saeed that he must leave the hospital and return to prison. They are refusing to provide him with anything more than mere pain medication. They have denied him surgery – the only treatment that will help. They have even denied him test results.
The timing of both of these moves is very suspect. In what appears to be a move to put Iran in a favorable light, Pastor Saeed was moved to the hospital, something his Iranian family has been actively seeking for months, coinciding with the arrival of the High Representative of the European Union, Catherine Ashton in Iran. However, as soon as she departed Iran, Pastor Saeed was informed that he would be moved back to prison without receiving any real treatment.
The EU has been faithfully raising Pastor Saeed’s case for some time, and this move would allow Iranian officials to report that he was receiving medical treatment if his case was brought up during the EU’s visit to Iran.
This disturbing turn of events reiterates the need to keep pressure on Iran. As soon as pressure is let up, the situation gets worse. Iran must not be allowed to continue to abuse and mistreat Pastor Saeed out of the public spotlight. The Iranian government is wrongfully imprisoning him and denying him needed medical care because he is a Christian. Each day apart from his family and away from the care of physicians is another human rights abuse.
While Iran’s actions seem to undercut the sincerity of Iran’s leaders in promising the world change in Iran, there is still an opportunity for President Rouhani and Iran’s Supreme Leader to act.
March 21st is the Iranian new year, a time when clemency is often granted to prisoners of conscience. If Iran wants the world to see it in a new light, now is the time to grant clemency for Pastor Saeed. Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif said clemency could be possible. Now would be the time.
We are continuing to fight for Pastor Saeed’s freedom. Right now a legal team from both our U.S. and international offices is meeting with world leaders at the United Nations office in Geneva.
Please continue to pray, share his story, and sign the petition for his freedom.
Publish Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 17:10:33 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+46 Reps., 20 Senators Send Bipartisan Letter to President Obama Thanking Him for Speaking Out for Pastor Saeed
Today, 66 Members of Congress, including 20 Senators, sent a bipartisan letter to President Obama thanking him for recently speaking out for American Pastor Saeed Abedini and urging his Administration to do every thing in its power to bring this U.S. citizen home.
Led by Senators Rob Portman (OH) and James Risch (ID) and Representatives Robert Pittenger (NC-9) and Bill Cassidy (LA-6), the letter states:
Dear Mr. President:
Thank you for your comments at the National Prayer Breakfast calling for the release of prisoners held around the world because of their religious beliefs such as Pastor Saeed Abedini. Pastor Abedini, a dual Iranian-American citizen, has now been imprisoned in Iran for over a year, simply because of his Christian faith. While reports show he has been moved to a ward for political prisoners, he is still being held in Rajai Shahr Prison, home to Iran's most violent criminals. Further, his health and wellbeing remain a serious concern.
Family members who have visited Pastor Abedini report he continues to experience severe abdominal pain. Although a physician declared the need for Pastor Abedini to undergo surgery months ago, he is still being treated solely with pain medication.
We the undersigned, urge you and your Administration to continue to act on statements by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif last month. The Minister's statement, a first by an lranian official, raised clemency as an alternative to Pastor Abedini serving his eight year prison sentence in full.
These statements must be met with caution, but our hope is the Administration will take full advantage of this opportunity to bring Pastor Abedini home to his wife and children. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
We echo these sentiments and too urge President Obama and his Administration to remain vigilant and use every opportunity and resource at their disposal to bring Pastor Saeed home. Foreign Minister Zerif’s comments last month about clemency do indeed represent the greatest hope yet of bringing Pastor Saeed home to his wife and children here in the U.S.
Please continue to pray and share Pastor Saeed’s story as we continue working behind the scenes and around the world for his release.
Publish Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2014 00:00:20 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+American Pastor Saeed Abedini Profiled in Innovative Art Project in Front of UN
The life of a prisoner of conscience in a repressive regime is a harsh existence, and only a few fully grasp this reality.
A new art project is attempting to raise the plight of those wrongly imprisoned in Iran through creative use of art and social media. It features the plight of American Pastor Saeed Abedini, who is wrongfully imprisoned in Iran for his Christian faith, along with many others who are suffering in Iran.
The art project is a collaboration between the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center and the Inside Out Project which was created by world famous French artist JR. The project began with large pictures of many of those wrongfully imprisoned in Iran, including Pastor Saeed, being displayed prominently across the street from the United Nations headquarters in New York.
One of the leaders of this movement explains:
“When we speak about executions and people being tortured in prison, a lot of this just becomes statistics in people’s minds,” says Gissou Nia, the 32-year-old executive director of the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center. “We seldom see the human faces that color what the statistics mean.” . . . “To have these faces be displayed prominently in the middle of New York City, this bustling, cosmopolitan city, and take these individuals from the prisons where they’ve been hidden and bring them, quite literally, into the light.”
These images really are a powerful reminder of the real human stories of those suffering in Iranian prisons.
In conjunction with this art display, the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center is also ramping up a social media campaign. Its Unlock Iran project is set to formally launch on March 3rd and will give users a glimpse of what it is like to be wrongly imprisoned in Iran. Its Facebook page (which the images in this post are from) has already begun sharing the stories of some of the prisoners of conscience, including Pastor Saeed.
//
We are appreciative of these efforts to highlight Pastor Saeed’s case and literally give a face to the suffering and persecution so many are forced to endure in Iran.
We are hopeful that increased focus on Pastor Saeed’s case will continue to build mounting pressure on Iran to release Pastor Saeed and allow him to return home to his family.
Please continue to pray, share his story, and join hundreds of thousands in signing the petition for his freedom at BeHeardProject.com, as we fight for his release.
Publish Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2014 21:18:13 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Cross-Party Group in British Parliament Welcomes Iran’s Suggestion of Clemency, Urges Pastor Saeed’s Release
World leaders continue to take a strong stand for American Pastor Saeed Abedini who is imprisoned in Iran for his Christian faith.
A cross-party group, in the British Parliament, has released a statement welcoming Iran’s suggestion that clemency may be possible for Pastor Saeed.
The All Party Parliamentary Group on International Freedom of Religion or Belief, based in London, stated:
The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on International Freedom of Religion or Belief welcomes recent statements by Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif with respect to Saeed Abedini, an American Pastor imprisoned in Iran. The group especially appreciates his statement about the "various clemency measures in Iran that can be introduced, [have] happened in the past, [and] can be introduced again in these cases”.
"While we understand that such a decision rests with the judiciary in Iran, we are encouraged that a high-ranking minister is openly taking this position. We hope that Pastor Saeed Abedini will be released as soon as possible and returned to his family. Such a move would be concrete evidence that the reforming agenda of President Rouhani is becoming a reality," says Baroness Berridge, Chairman of the APPG.
We are extremely grateful for and encouraged by the willingness of such a diverse group of parliamentarians from the United Kingdom to speak out on such an important case.
It is paramount, especially now that clemency is essentially on the table, that world leaders speak out in support of this critical opportunity for Pastor Saeed’s freedom.
We have and will continue to work along side this APPG in fighting for Pastor Saeed’s release.
Since Iran’s statement about clemency – release under Iran’s own legal system – for Pastor Saeed, more than 175,000 people have signed our petition urging Iran to grant clemency. Sign the petition, share his story, and continue to pray for his freedom.
Publish Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2014 17:20:28 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed’s Wife: “Thankful” For President Obama Speaking Out for Her Husband
Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, joined me today on Jay Sekulow Live! to discuss President Obama’s remarks yesterday calling on Iran to specifically release her husband and where the fight for his freedom moves from here.
She says she is thankful to the President for elevating her husband’s plight and is hopeful that as momentum continues to build that Iran would grant her husband – a U.S. citizen – clemency and allow him to return home.
Listen below as she shares her emotional story from her heart, pray, and sign the petition for his freedom.
Listen now:
Publish Date: Fri, 07 Feb 2014 20:12:12 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Jordan Talks with Cornerstone TV About Pastor Saeed
Jordan gives an update on Pastor Saeed via Skype on Cornerstone TV's Real Life program.
Publish Date: Fri, 07 Feb 2014 15:02:10 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Grateful President Obama Raises Plight of American Pastor Saeed
President Obama today raised the imprisonment of American Pastor Saeed Abedini at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. and called on Iran to release him so he can return to his family.
We are extremely pleased that President Obama publicly recognized Pastor Saeed's plight. With President Obama highlighting this tragic case of religious persecution, we're hopeful that this new level of engagement by our government - President Obama publicly calling on Iran to release Pastor Saeed - will bring even more attention to the unjust treatment of a U.S. citizen who has been imprisoned for more than a year simply because of his Christian faith. We're grateful for President Obama's remarks and call on Iran to release Pastor Saeed so that he can return to his family in Idaho.
President Obama's remarks from the National Prayer Breakfast included a direct appeal regarding Pastor Saeed:
"We pray for Pastor Saeed Abedini. He's been held in Iran for more than 18 months - sentenced to eight years in prison on charges relating to his Christian beliefs. And as we continue to work for his freedom today, again, we call on the Iranian government to release Pastor Abedini so he can return to the loving arms of his wife and children in Idaho."
President Obama raised the issue of Pastor Saeed in a private phone call with Iran's President Rouhani last fall but today's comments mark the first time that President Obama has publicly addressed Pastor Saeed's plight.
The American Center for Law & Justice represents Pastor Saeed's wife, Naghmeh, and their two young children who reside in Idaho. The ACLJ continues to work in this country and abroad to secure the freedom of Pastor Saeed. You can learn more about his case here.
Publish Date: Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:12:05 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+ACLJ Grateful President Obama Raises Plight of American Pastor Saeed
President Obama today raised the imprisonment of American Pastor Saeed Abedini at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. and called on Iran to release him so he can return to his family.
We are extremely pleased that President Obama publicly recognized Pastor Saeed's plight. With President Obama highlighting this tragic case of religious persecution, we're hopeful that this new level of engagement by our government - President Obama publicly calling on Iran to release Pastor Saeed - will bring even more attention to the unjust treatment of a U.S. citizen who has been imprisoned for more than a year simply because of his Christian faith. We're grateful for President Obama's remarks and call on Iran to release Pastor Saeed so that he can return to his family in Idaho.
President Obama's remarks from the National Prayer Breakfast included a direct appeal regarding Pastor Saeed:
"We pray for Pastor Saeed Abedini. He's been held in Iran for more than 18 months - sentenced to eight years in prison on charges relating to his Christian beliefs. And as we continue to work for his freedom today, again, we call on the Iranian government to release Pastor Abedini so he can return to the loving arms of his wife and children in Idaho."
President Obama raised the issue of Pastor Saeed in a private phone call with Iran's President Rouhani last fall but today's comments mark the first time that President Obama has publicly addressed Pastor Saeed's plight.
The American Center for Law & Justice represents Pastor Saeed's wife, Naghmeh, and their two young children who reside in Idaho. The ACLJ continues to work in this country and abroad to secure the freedom of Pastor Saeed. You can learn more about his case here.
Publish Date: Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:12:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Iran's Leaders Should Request Clemency for Pastor Saeed
Something happened during the 2014 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this year. It didn’t make headlines, but it’s something that certainly should not be ignored.
While Iranian leaders spent most of the time talking about their nuclear program and other issues including Syria, there was a brief exchange between a reporter and Iran's foreign minister related to Iran's imprisonment of several Americans -- including Pastor Saeed Abedini, who's been in captivity for more than a year now simply because of his Christian faith.
In the past, when leaders were asked about Pastor Saeed and other imprisoned Americans, the response was short and to the point: those imprisoned were convicted of serious charges and essentially got what they deserved. . . .
Continue reading this article on Fox News.
Publish Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 17:01:55 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+A Glimmer of Hope for American Pastor Saeed as Iran’s Foreign Minister Suggests Clemency Possible
There is a glimmer of hope for American Pastor Saeed Abedini – a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Iran for his Christian faith.
In an interview with CNN, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was directly asked about Pastor Saeed.
His answer provides the first glimmer of hope for Pastor Saeed’s freedom.
As CNN reports,
"We have various clemency measures in Iran that can be introduced, happened in the past, can be introduced again in these cases," Zarif said in the interview this week from Davos, Switzerland. . . .
Still, Zarif said the decision for clemency does not rest with him.
"That is something for the judiciary to decide," he said.
Foreign Minister Zarif’s comments come on the heels of Pastor Saeed’s recent move from the worst-of-the-ward in Rajai Shahr Prison to the political prisoner ward.
Could Iran be willing to give Pastor Saeed clemency? Could it be willing to release him to return to his wife and two children here in the U.S.?
One thing is for sure: Pastor Saeed’s release would be a monumental humanitarian gesture for Iran. Clemency would give Iran the opportunity, within their own judicial system, to release Pastor Saeed and show the world that it is serious about changing its human rights’ record.
Now is the time to urge Iran to give Pastor Saeed clemency – to release him and allow him to return to his family here in America.
Senator Rand Paul (KY) is doing just that. He has sent a letter to Iranian president Hassan Rouhani urging him to commute Pastor Saeed’s sentence and release him.
The letter provides:
President Rouhani,
I am writing to you today to urge you to commute the sentence of Pastor Saeed Abedini and release him from prison. I have recently met with his wife, Naghmeh, and she is very concerned for her husband’s well-being. His health is deteriorating and he is apparently under constant threat of harm from both prison personnel and other inmates at Rajaei Shahr prison.
I wish to remain cautiously optimistic regarding the recent diplomatic progress between our two nations. However, I must point out that if something were to happen to Pastor Abedini while he is incarcerated, any good will forged over the past few months would likely evaporate. Conversely, granting clemency to Pastor Abedini and allowing him to return to the United States would do much to create a positive atmosphere that would reflect well on future discussions.
Cooperation and trust are built one gesture at a time and actions speak louder than words.
Sincerely, Rand Paul, M.D. United States Senator
Senator Paul is exactly right. Iran’s foreign minister has said that clemency is a possibility for Pastor Saeed. Let’s take him at his word. We urge Foreign Minister Zarif, President Rouhani, and the Iranian judiciary to start the process to give Pastor Saeed clemency – his freedom – to release this loving husband and caring father who has done nothing to harm Iran. Let Pastor Saeed return home to his family and receive the medical care he so desperately needs.
We are asking hundreds of thousands of Americans to stand with us and to call on Iran to grant Pastor Saeed clemency and allow him to return home to America. Sign our new petition urging clemency for Pastor Saeed.
Please continue to pray and share this petition and pastor Saeed’s story.
Publish Date: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 12:00:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+American Pastor Saeed Abedini Moved to Political Prisoner Ward in Deadliest Prison in Iran – Health Concerns Grow
American Pastor Saeed Abedini, who has been wrongfully imprisoned in Iran for more than a year because of his Christian faith, has been moved from the murderer ward to the political prisoner ward in Rajai Shahr Prison.
Make no mistake; Pastor Saeed is still in the deadliest prison in Iran facing deteriorating medical conditions. This is the first positive step, however slight, since his transfer from Evin Prison last November.
For the first time in six weeks, Pastor Saeed’s Iranian family was able to visit with Pastor Saeed today in his new prison ward. No reason was given for the move and his family reports that this new ward, still within the dangerous walls of Rajai Shahr, represents a slight improvement in his treatment. Pastor Saeed is now receiving better meals.
His family reports that Pastor Saeed’s medical problems continue to worsen. He continues throwing up on a regular basis and is still experiencing significant pain in his abdomen. Since being moved within the prison, Pastor Saeed was able to see a prison doctor who was very concerned about his internal injuries. The prison doctor recommended that he receive surgery and provided him medication to ease his pain.
Pastor Saeed sustained internal injuries from beatings he endured in Evin prison early in his imprisonment. Those injuries have gone largely untreated, and when Pastor Saeed was transferred to Rajai Shahr, Iranian authorities refused to give him the medication he had been prescribed. Though Saeed was provided pain medication recently, Saeed has still been denied the medication that was previously prescribed for his internal injuries.
Since recently meeting with the prison doctor in Rajai Shahr, Pastor Saeed has not yet received the needed surgery. Pastor Saeed’s family has formally petitioned the Iranian government to allow Pastor Saeed to receive this critically necessary surgery at a private hospital.
Despite his move from the worst-of-the-worst ward in the prison, he still faces grave danger, significant medical issues, and life-threatening prison conditions.
Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, responded to this latest development saying:
There is a glimmer of comfort to know that my husband has been transferred out of the murderers’ ward, but my heart aches to know the pain he continually suffers and that his injuries necessitate surgery. As a family, it is difficult to be so far away and unable to comfort him in his pain. Though we are encouraged by the transfer to the new ward, such a small step is far from an unconditional release where Saeed is reunited with our family. While this development is welcomed, we desperately await his return home.
Even in this new prison ward, numerous prisoners are complaining that prison conditions are making them sick. Since Saeed’s move, the regime has canceled or closed many of the recreational facilities, even the library, that had been available to political prisoners. The authorities have place two violent prisoners in the political prisoner ward who consistently threaten any semblance of peace. These violent prisoners have already robbed several of the prisoners in the political prisoner ward.
The Iranian regime continues to wrongfully imprison Pastor Saeed – a U.S. citizen – for his Christian faith in the deadliest prison in Iran. Until Pastor Saeed is free to return to his wife and two young children in the U.S., we must never give up. We must continue to pressure Iran for his freedom.
When the Obama Administration refused to even ask for Pastor Saeed’s release during negotiations with Iran, we not only lost a critical opportunity for his freedom but effectively insulated Iran from ever feeling the need to free this U.S. citizen.
His freedom has not been a top priority for Obama Administration and the U.S. State Department. We continue to believe that renewed economic sanctions on Iran may now be the best chance we have to bring Iran back to the negotiating table – a key to Pastor Saeed’s freedom. You can sign our petition demanding a vote in the U.S. Senate to sanction Iran at BeHeardProject.com.
We continue working with world leaders and urging the U.S. government to make Pastor Saeed’s freedom a priority. Please continue to pray for Pastor Saeed’s release and share his story. He must never be forgotten.
Publish Date: Wed, 22 Jan 2014 17:05:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Update: Brazil’s #SaveSaeed Expands
The Brazilian Center for Law & Justice continues spreading the word about Pastor Saeed’s situation around the country. I been traveling to speak to as many churches as I can about how people can join the effort to #SaveSaeed. Christians around Brazil are getting involved with prayers and social media advocacy. The Save Saeed campaign in Brazil, where people take pictures holding a Save Saeed sign or wear a Save Saeed T-shirt, continues to expand and gain traction in new areas.
Below are some new pictures of people participating in the campaign.
Publish Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2014 20:16:23 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Religious Freedom is About Actions Not Words
Today, January 16th, is national Religious Freedom Day. Like many of his predecessors before him, President Obama issued the obligatory proclamation.
But are we, as a nation in general and this Administration specifically, really protecting religious liberty?
It was on this day in 1786 that the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was enacted. It was this Virginia statute, authored by Thomas Jefferson, that became the basis of our First Amendment religious freedom protections (a fact that I and every other Virginian you will meet are very proud of).
President Obama’s proclamation explains:
In 1786, the Virginia General Assembly affirmed an ideal that has long been central to the American journey. The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, penned by Thomas Jefferson, declared religious liberty a natural right and any attempt to subvert it "a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our religion, who being Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either." The Statute inspired religious liberty protections in the First Amendment, which has stood for almost two and a quarter centuries.
Despite the fact that President Obama allocates far more space talking about those who have no faith (“America embraces people of all faiths and of no faith,” “atheists and agnostics,” “what binds us as one is not the tenets of our faiths,” etc.) than protecting religious liberty, the fact remains that this President is all talk and no action when it comes to protecting our First Freedom.
President Obama states:
America proudly stands with people of every nation who seek to think, believe, and practice their faiths as they choose. In the years to come, my Administration will remain committed to promoting religious freedom, both at home and across the globe. We urge every country to recognize religious freedom as both a universal right and a key to a stable, prosperous, and peaceful future.
Nice words on paper, but what are we doing? Being “committed to promoting religious freedom” is judged by an administration’s actions, not its words.
Where has this Administration been for a U.S. citizen – a pastor from Boise, Idaho – who is being tormented and imprisoned in Iran, not for breaking a law but for being a Christian and gathering with others to practice his faith?
Did the Obama Administration make him a priority when it sat across the table from Iran? No. Did it even mention Pastor Saeed in that discussion? No.
In fact, while an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the Senate are demanding new sanctions on Iran, in part for its unjust treatment of Pastor Saeed and deplorable human rights record, President Obama has led the charge against them – led the charge against an effort that would in fact defend religious liberty.
But it’s not just with Pastor Saeed. When Egypt’s Christians were being increasingly persecuted, what did President Obama do? He sided with the Muslim Brotherhood. In Syria too his Administration sided with jihadists as Christian villages were attacked.
And where is the protection for people of faith forced to pay for abortion pills?
Ironically, a White House blog post today celebrates one major law being used by the government to protect religious liberty, RUILPA. What it fails to mention is RUILPA’s companion legislation, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act or RFRA. (Without getting too far into the weeds, RUILPA or the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act was passed to supplement the protections in RFRA.)
RFRA, along with the First Amendment, is the main law being used to challenge the HHS Mandate. It’s sadly ironic that the Obama White House would attempt to appear as a champion for religious freedom, as its lawyers are in courts all across the country and now at the Supreme Court arguing that that religious liberty protections found in our Constitution and RFRA don’t really mean what they say they mean. Instead President Obama’s lawyers argue that forcing abortion pill coverage on someone doesn’t violate any real religious beliefs, and even it did, that abortion pill coverage is far more important than one’s faith.
That is not a commitment to religious liberty. It’s a commitment to champion a radical pro-abortion agenda.
As we celebrate our First Freedom today, let us resolve to not just talk about religious liberty, but together, take action to defend religious liberty. At the ACLJ, that is what we do, every hour of every day.
1.17.2014 Update: On national Religious Freedom Day, the White House once again proved that it is all talk and no action on religious freedom. In responding to a question about Pastor Saeed’s wrongful imprisonment in Iran, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney stated:
[W]e are appealing to the Iranian government when it comes to those who are being held, and we have -- and I have raised it frequently from this podium. And we continue to do that.
Broadly, we aggressively support religious freedom around the world and make clear our opposition to policies in countries that restrict religious freedom. And that’s a broad, comprehensive effort. But specifically on the issue of those being held in Iran on these related matters, as you've heard me, if you've been here, raise this in the past -- and we've noted that we bring these issues up all the time and press Iran on them -- we're going to continue to do that.
What has the Obama Administration done for Pastor Saeed; “raised it frequently from this podium.” And that’s it.
This article is crossposted on Red State.
Publish Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 22:00:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Have We “Surrendered” to Iran and Abandoned Pastor Saeed?
In the Obama Administration’s recent “deal” with Iran, the U.S. gave the radical regime relief from sanctions, legitimized its nuclear program, allowed it to continue enriching uranium, and didn’t even ask for the release of American Pastor Saeed Abedini in return.
So, how did Iran respond to the deal? Unsurprisingly, much the same way we did. Iran’s president, Hassan Rouhani, tweeted this morning that the Obama Administration “surrendered” to the will of Iran.
Our relationship w/ the world is based on Iranian nation's interests. In #Geneva agreement world powers surrendered to Iranian nation's will
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 14, 2014
This brazen and defiant response is the natural result of our Administration’s lack of resolve. The Obama Administration caved and Iran knows it. Even worse, Iran isn’t afraid to say exactly how it feels and what it plans to do.
Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator recently boldly stated in a public interview that as a result of the nuclear “deal,” “No facility will be closed; enrichment will continue, and qualitative and nuclear research will be expanded. All research into a new generation of centrifuges will continue.”
While Iran continues to press on toward nuclear weapons, President Obama is doing everything within his power to prevent the passage of any new sanctions on Iran.
Renewed sanctions have gained wide bipartisan support. As the New York Times reports:
Sponsors of the bill, which would aim to drive Iran’s oil exports down to zero, have secured the backing of 59 senators, putting them within striking distance of a two-thirds majority that could override Mr. Obama’s threatened veto. Republicans overwhelmingly support the bill. So far 16 Democrats have broken with the president, and the bill’s sponsors hope to get more.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is blocking efforts to bring this crucial bill to a vote, and President Obama has already threatened to veto any new sanctions.
Iran clearly does not respond favorably to weakness. It will only respond to strength. Renewed sanctions against this worldwide sponsor of terror which is devastatingly defying the human rights of numerous Christians including Pastor Saeed is a key to stopping its nuclear ambitions and freeing Pastor Saeed.
At the ACLJ we are demanding a vote on sanctions. Sign our new petition for renewed sanctions on Iran.
This article is crossposted at RedState.com.
Publish Date: Tue, 14 Jan 2014 19:38:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Another Year Begins As Pastor Saeed Continues to Suffer in Iran
American Pastor Saeed Abedini remains imprisoned in Iran’s deadliest prison. Another year begins with Pastor Saeed separated from his wife, his kids, and his country, suffering in chains for the Gospel.
With a new year comes a renewed resolve to obtain this persecuted pastor’s freedom. Abandoned by his country, not the American people but the Obama Administration, it is incumbent upon each one of us to fight for his freedom.
Our offices around the world, from here in the U.S. to Europe and Brazil, continue to press forward with a number of efforts to secure his freedom.
Pastor Saeed – a U.S. citizen – must not be allowed to endure another year in the brutal conditions of an Iranian prison. He has done nothing wrong; his only “crime” is his faith in Christ.
Pastor Saeed’s family in Iran was unable to visit him over the holidays, and it is uncertain when the next opportunity will come. It has been 4 weeks since family members visited Pastor Saeed. And since his transfer to Rajai Shahr prison in November, visitations are much less frequent and more uncertain than when Pastor Saeed was confined in Evin prison.
Even through the Christmas and New Year holidays we have been working nonstop, fighting for his release.
It is crucial that we not allow Iran to make Pastor Saeed disappear.
In fact, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani sent out a tweet around Christmas, claiming to wish all Iranian Christians a Merry Christmas, even while his regime imprisons and tortures Christians like Pastor Saeed.
We immediately responded. It is tactics like this that the regime constantly uses in an attempt to deflect public pressure away from the realities of its abominable human rights record.
Once again President Rouhani's words do not match his actions. His statement wishing Christians health, success, and happiness in the new year is nothing more than his continued push to redefine his radical regime in an effort to make it appear more moderate on the world stage. By continuing to hold American Pastor Saeed Abedini in prison for more than a year simply because of his Christian faith, Iran continues to show its blatant disregard for religious freedom and human rights. Pastor Saeed's health continues to deteriorate and his captors refuse to provide him with prescribed medication. If President Rouhani is sincere about his wish for Christians - his wish for health, success, and happiness - he would release Pastor Saeed immediately so he could be reunited with his wife and children without delay.
Until that happens – until Pastor Saeed is safely in the arms of his loving family here in the U.S. – we will not let up. We will not relent in exercising every available channel and opportunity, here in the U.S. and globally, to bring Pastor Saeed home. And we urge the White House and the State Department to fully engage this issue. Every innocent American deserves the full support of their government, especially those who suffer for their faith.
We will continue to have updates about Pastor Saeed’s case and how you can be involved in the fight for his freedom at BeHeardProject.com. Please continue to share his story and pray that this year, 2014, would be the year Pastor Saeed comes home.
Publish Date: Mon, 06 Jan 2014 21:00:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+A New Year and New Resolve to Defend Freedom
This year has seen an onslaught of radical assaults on our freedom, but together we have stood strong to defend life and liberty.
From ObamaCare’s abortion-pill mandate at the Supreme Court to countless assaults on our religious heritage as a nation, 2014 is already shaping up to be a busy and critically important year.
Each of these challenges gives us an opportunity to defend our God-given inalienable rights.
We are ready to meet these challenges head on.
We filed one of the largest lawsuits we have ever undertaken against an out-of-control IRS to defend the constitutional rights of pro-life and conservative Americans. The Obama Administration is already trying to avoid accountability for unlawfully targeting Americans by having our suit dismissed. We have assembled are largest legal team yet, and will fight back to hold them accountable.
Angry atheists continue their relentless push to strip every semblance of our religious heritage as a nation. We are preparing to file briefs next year to defend the Ground Zero Cross and a World War II memorial from being torn down in federal appeals court.
We continue to stand for the lives of the unborn and against the largest abortion provider in America, Planned Parenthood. The tax dollars of pro-life Americans should never fund the abortion industry. We are continuing to defend pro-life pregnancy centers from vicious attempts to shutdown their lifesaving work.
In one of the most important Supreme Court battles we have ever faced, we are fighting to defend the religious liberty of pro-life Americans from being forced to pay for abortion-pills. In 2013, we were 7-0 against the pro-abortion ObamaCare mandate. Next year, we will be filing a critical amicus brief at the Supreme Court on behalf of our clients and hundreds of thousands of Americans.
We will continue fighting for American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s freedom from torture and imprisonment in Iran because of his Christian faith. We will continue defending Christians in Egypt, Pakistan, Syria and elsewhere from growing jihadist persecution.
This is just a snapshot of the work we have been doing and will continue to do in the year ahead. We are fully engaged, aggressively fighting to defend faith and freedom.
Thank you for your continued support for the ACLJ as we stand in the gap, together we will continue to make an impact in these fights.
Happy New Year!
Publish Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2013 17:57:59 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Defending the Defenseless Must Be a National Priority this Christmas
This Christmas season a wife in Idaho is left without her husband and two young children, 7 and 5, are left without their father who is suffering in an Iranian prison because of his religious beliefs.
As we have written before, Christian Pastor Saeed Abedini, an Iranian born U.S. citizen, sits in one of the most deadly prisons in Iran. Last month, the Iranian regime transferred him from one of the worst prisons in the world, Evin, to the deadliest prison in Iran, Rajai Shahr. Housing the most dangerous of criminals in Iran – rapists and murderers – Rajai Shahr is where Iran sends you to disappear or be murdered at the hands of other prisoners.
His crime? His Christian faith. . . .
Continue reading this article on OnFaith.
Publish Date: Mon, 23 Dec 2013 22:06:02 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+American Pastor Saeed’s Powerful Reminder of the Reason for this Christmas Season
Even amidst the travesty and torture that American Pastor Saeed Abedini is forced to endure at the hands of his Iranian captors, his faith in Christ shines through.
Pastor Saeed’s Iranian family was able to retrieve some of the items Pastor Saeed had in Evin prison – mementoes he was forced to leave behind when he was abruptly transferred from Evin to Rajai Shahr prison last month.
Included in these belongings, like a personal diary and other personal effects, were two visible and inspiring reminders of who Pastor Saeed is and what he is enduring.
First is a sign that hung above his bed in Evin prison (pictured above), which simply and poignantly reads, “Privilege of Suffering for Christ.” The second is a hand-carved wooden cross (pictured below).
Pastor Saeed is suffering for his Christian faith. His health is deteriorating, and he is prohibited from receiving medication. Yet, he has not forgotten the God he serves, even as he is in chains for the Gospel.
As we celebrate the Christmas season, let us too remember the reason for the season and those who are suffering for the Gospel.
Please continue to pray for Pastor Saeed’s freedom and sign the petition to stand with him.
Publish Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:21:35 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+The American Pawns of the American Government
Yesterday Kathryn highlighted Naghmeh Abedini’s heart-wrenching congressional testimony. Her husband, an Iranian-American pastor, is being held in perhaps Iran’s deadliest prison, imprisoned simply because of his faith. I’ve discussed his case many times before (the ACLJ represents his family, and our own Jordan Sekulow testified alongside Mrs. Abedini), and I would say I’m stunned that our government would strike a nuclear “deal” with a country that is unjustly holding and torturing an American citizen, but this administration has a pattern of leaving Americans behind.
The administration’s latest line of argument, that it can’t include wrongly imprisoned Americans in the nuclear talks — because it would be bad for the imprisoned Americans — is beyond the pale. Yesterday, the same day Mrs. Abedini testified, Senator Mike Crapo questioned Wendy Sherman, a principal negotiator of the Iran deal, about Pastor Saeed. After explaining all the ways the administration was raising Pastor Saeed with the Iranians, she said they weren’t part of the actual nuclear talks because, “Quite frankly, we don’t want them to become pawns in the negotiation.”
In the game of chess, pawns are easily sacrificed for the sake of larger strategic goals. If anyone has turned Pastor Saeed into a pawn, it’s our own government.
Sherman continued, saying “Iran should free these Americans because it is the right thing to do. It is the humanitarian thing to do.”
Yet this is the same administration that is — according to its own fact sheet on the Iran deal — pledging to “facilitate humanitarian transactions” with Iran (within the nuclear deal) without apparently demanding the slightest “humanitarian transaction” in return.
Sherman has been down this road before. A former social worker and director of EMILY’s List, she made her foreign-policy debut near the top of the diplomatic food chain as State Department counselor under Madeleine Albright, where she promptly participated in utterly fruitless negotiations with North Korea. Foreign Policy recalls the spectacle:
The talks advanced so far that North Korea agreed to a moratorium on new missile testing and sent a senior military officer on an official visit to the United States for the first time. Albright reciprocated by traveling to Pyongyang in October 2000, making her the most senior U.S. official to visit North Korea since the end of the Korean War.
It was a memorable trip. After one particularly long day of negotiations, then-leader Kim Jong Il brought Albright, Sherman, and the American negotiators to a cavernous Pyongyang soccer stadium for a synchronized dance performance that ended with thousands of North Koreans forming themselves into a giant image of the country’s Taepodong missile. Years later, Sherman recalled complimenting Kim on the spectacle.
And how do you think Ms. Sherman — our lead negotiator with Iran — describes herself? As a “community organizer.”
The Persians invented chess, so perhaps the Iranians can explain to the community organizer across the table the rules of the game.
This article is crossposted on National Review.
Publish Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2013 21:26:45 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed's wife Naghmeh and Jordan Sekulow Testifying in Congress
Pastor Saeed's wife Naghmeh and Jordan Sekulow Testifying in Congress
Publish Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2013 16:35:31 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed’s Wife Forced to Fight Her Own Government to Fight for Her Husband’s Freedom
Yesterday, I testified alongside Pastor Saeed Abedini’s wife, Naghmeh, about her husband’s worsening plight.
We laid out the facts about how he is being tortured in Iran. But we also laid out the facts about how the Obama Administration has betrayed him, has abandoned him in Iran.
The Obama Administration and the U.S. State Department had a historic opportunity to demand Pastor Saeed’s release, along with that of all wrongly detained Americans in Iran, as a precondition to the nuclear negotiations.
As Dr. Katrins Lantos Sweet, Vice Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, testified, this would have been an easy ask.
Yet, the Obama Administration intentionally chose not to even ask for his release as a precondition to the negotiations, leaving Pastor Saeed behind – malnourished, in increasing pain, and without medication.
I was disappointed that the lone Democrat to speak at the hearing, Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL), tried to cover for the ineptitude of this Administration’s public action, or lack thereof, for this persecuted pastor, putting partisan politics ahead of bringing this U.S. citizen home.
I and Representative Chris Smith, the Chairman of this hearing, explained how the Administration has failed its own citizen, even reminding people that the first thing the State Department told Pastor Saeed’s wife when his husband was wrongfully imprisoned was that nothing could be done about it.
Yet, Representative Deutch claimed that laying the facts on the table and asking our government to do more was exhibiting some “agenda.”
As Pastor Saeed’s wife unequivocally stated, “I don’t have an agenda. I’m not a political person. I’m a mom. I’m a wife. . . . I very much feel abandoned. I feel my husband has been abandoned.”
We must never abandon Pastor Saeed. Watch the video above of key parts of this hearing and sign the petition to stand with Pastor Saeed.
Publish Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2013 16:25:46 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+CBN Newschannel Interviews Naghmeh Abedini
CBN sat down with Naghmeh Abedini after her hearing on Capital Hill.
Publish Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2013 14:58:15 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Testifying Before Congress Urging Action for American Pastor Saeed Abedini
Today, Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, and I testified before Congress about American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s worsening plight.
The U.S. government must make Pastor Saeed a priority.
Pastor Saeed’s wife told Congress today about the dire situation facing her husband in Iran:
After he endured more than a year in one of the world’s worst prisons, Evin Prison in Tehran, on November 3, 2013, the Iranian regime transferred my husband to Iran’s most deadly prison, Rajaï Shahr. The Iranian regime sends prisoners to Rajaï Shahr to disappear. It sends prisoners to Rajaï Shahr to deny them their human rights. It sends prisoners to Rajaï Shahr to die.
While he was in Evin prison, I feared for his life because he was brutally beaten by guards and interrogators, which resulted in internal injuries. But, at least in Evin Prison, he was in a ward with fellow prisoners of conscience. When Iranian officials transferred him to Rajaï Shahr, he was surrounded by some of Iran’s most violent criminals, rapists and murderers.
Since he arrived at Rajaï Shahr, he has been repeatedly threatened and robbed at knifepoint. At times he has awoken to find a knife-wielding prisoner standing over him at his bed.
Prisoners have murdered other prisoners, while prison officials stood by and did nothing. In that place, nothing but the hand of God keeps him from being killed. Each day he remains in that dreadful place could mean a death sentence; any day could be execution day.
She will also tell Members of Congress how her husband’s torment in Iran is affecting their family here in the U.S.:
As Christmas quickly approaches, it is just another painful reminder of life without Saeed for our family. When I ask my children what they want for Christmas, their answer is simple. It’s the same thing they wanted for their birthdays this year. It’s the same thing they want every day. They just want daddy. They want daddy home. They want daddy to be able to tuck them into bed, to sing them a song, to hold them in his embrace.
Most nights they cry themselves to sleep, wanting daddy home. I have not had the heart to tell them of the 8-year sentence. I am hoping that I will not have to tell them of the 8-year sentence. I am hoping that we can bring Saeed home soon.
If we don’t do everything within our power as a nation to bring him home now – I fear he will be left to die. I fear my children will never see their father again.
She will also use this opportunity to highlight the increased persecution of Christians all over the world and the need to give each of them a voice:
It is unfortunate that Christians are the number one persecuted people in the world, but not much attention and effort is taken to protect their religious liberty.
I am standing here before you today because religious persecution is real. And until we stand up as one – as Americans, as political leaders, and government officials, as people who have been endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights – we will not truly embrace the responsibility that comes with that freedom.
She will thank Members of Congress for their efforts thus far on her husband’s behalf and urge her government to do more to bring her husband home saftely:
I cannot express how grateful I am to the Members of Congress who have refused to let my husband be forgotten.
While I am thankful for President Obama’s willingness to express concern about my husband and the other imprisoned Americans in Iran during his recent phone conversation with Iran’s new president, Hassan Rouhani, I was devastated to learn that the Administration didn’t even ask for my husband’s release when directly seated across the table from the leaders of the government that holds him captive.
My husband is suffering because he is a Christian. He is suffering because he is an American. Yet, his own government, at least the Executive and diplomatic representatives, has abandoned him. Don’t we owe it to him as a nation to stand up for his human rights, for his freedom?
As I have said, I am very thankful for the actions our government has taken for Saeed. I am thankful that the Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution just last month calling for my husband’s freedom. I understand that there is a similar resolution being considered here in the House of Representatives. I urge you to pass this resolution quickly.
You can read her complete statement submitted to Congress here.
I focused my testimony on not only his plight but also on what more we must do for Pastor Saeed.
I told the Subcommittees:
Pastor Saeed Abedini, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, has been unnecessarily separated from his wife and two children for 17 months. The Islamic Republic of Iran has arbitrarily detained and imprisoned Pastor Saeed – subjecting him to violence and abuse. Violating both Iranian law and international norms, his trial lacked transparency and due process, and yet, the appeals court in Tehran upheld his conviction and eight-year prison sentence. Pastor Saeed has exhausted all legal remedies in Iran to appeal this arbitrary conviction and detention – his freedom now rests solely on the success of diplomatic efforts by the U.S. government and world leaders dedicated to human rights.
I explained how the Obama Administration abandoned Pastor Saeed and how this abandonment has had disastrous effects on the fight for his freedom:
In addition to the horrific abuse and torture Pastor Saeed has faced at the hands of his brutal Iranian captors, Pastor Saeed has not had the full backing of his own government. When the Iranian government initially detained Pastor Saeed, the U.S. government excused its lack of assistance because the United States lacked diplomatic ties with Iran. But even now, when the U.S. has historically communicated with and sat across the table from the Iranian government, the U.S. government has still failed to secure the release of Pastor Saeed and the other imprisoned Americans.
We are grateful that President Obama expressed his concern about the Americans imprisoned in Iran on his historic phone call with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani back in September. And though we are grateful that Pastor Saeed has been raised on the margins of discussions in Geneva, it falls far short because Pastor Saeed is still suffering solely for exercising his fundamental human rights. It is beyond comprehension that the U.S. is prepared to relax sanctions on and release humanitarian aid for Iran at the same time that an innocent U.S. citizen remains imprisoned for his faith and threatened with death. In fact, it was while our government sat across the table from the Iranians disbursing humanitarian aid that Iranian guards transferred Pastor Saeed to a more deadly prison and denied him his necessary medications. It is upon this backdrop that I come before you today expressing my concern about the level of support that this U.S. citizen has received from his own government.
The “margins” is no place for a U.S. citizen. We must do more. I will ask that our government – his government do exactly that:
It is my hope that, through the continued interest of Congress, Pastor Saeed’s case will be elevated to the highest levels of priority for our Executive Branch, that he will no longer be discussed on the margins, but rather that our government would truly do everything within its power to bring this U.S. citizen home to his wife and children. I view today’s hearing as representative of your commitment to that cause, and I ask all Members of Congress to encourage our President and Secretary of State to elevate the priority of Pastor Saeed’s case. As Americans, we call on our government to do everything within its power to bring this husband and father home to his children.
You can read my entire prepared statement as submitted to Congress here.
Please continue to stand with us as we stand for Pastor Saeed. Sign the petition today.
Publish Date: Thu, 12 Dec 2013 16:12:07 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Save Saeed Campaign Reaching New People in Brazil
The Brazilian Center for Law and Justice continues to travel around Brazil to spread the word and to speak out about Pastor Saeed. This past weekend, as director of the BCLJ, I spoke in three different churches in São Paulo, Brazil.
I spoke on Saturday night at the First Baptist Church in Mirandópolis, on Sunday night at Christian Community Jeová Nissí Church in Araçatuba, and on Monday night for the Pastor and Leader Counsel of the city of Araçatuba. I had the opportunity to share Pastor Saeed’s story with over five thousand people.
We created the Save Saeed T-shirts in order for people to take their picture using the T-shirt and post it through Social Media. The idea is catching on fast around Brazil. Hundreds of people are wearing the T-shirts all over Brazil.
The best part about the campaign and the T-shirts is that people ask what does it mean, giving each of person wearing the shirt the opportunity to share Pastor Saeed’s story and pray for his freedom.
Below are a few pictures taken at these events:
Publish Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2013 20:52:51 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Jordan Sekulow & Naghmeh on Fox News: Pastor Saeed Abandoned
Jordan Sekulow and Naghmeh Abedini spoke with Fox News about the US Iranian nuclear negotiations.
Publish Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2013 09:33:05 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed's Wife Expresses Gratitude to Donald Trump for Raising Her Husband's Plight
In recent weeks, Donald Trump has elevated the case of American Pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Iran because of his Christian faith. Trump has tweeted about Pastor Saeed's case and the need for the U.S. government to do more to free Pastor Saeed.
Pastor Saeed's wife, Naghmeh, had said she would like to meet Donald Trump to personally thank him for his concern. That meeting occurred today at Trump's office in New York City. Following that private meeting, Naghmeh issued this statement:
"I am most thankful that of the many issues that Mr. Trump could engage he has chosen to speak out about the unjust imprisonment of my husband by the Iranian government. This reveals to me the heart of Mr. Trump and his commitment to religious freedom. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Trump for his concern of my husband and our family. I am very grateful for his support and want to offer the most valuable gift I have - the gift of prayer. May God Bless Mr. Trump and his family."
Trump tweeted about the meeting with Naghmeh:
The ACLJ has launched a global social media campaign to call attention to the plight of Pastor Saeed and to generate support in this country and abroad. You can learn more about the case and become involved in the ongoing effort to save Pastor Saeed here.
Publish Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2013 17:49:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Congressional Hearing Set on American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s Worsening Plight – Pastor Saeed’s Wife to Testify Next Week
In a critical development in American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s case, Congress will hold a hearing next week on his worsening plight.
Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, and I have been asked to testify about Pastor Saeed’s dire situation as Members of Congress seek to once again elevate the plight of this U.S. citizen who been abandoned and wrongly imprisoned in Iran because of his faith.
A joint subcommittee hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee has been set for next, Thursday, December 12th at 9:30am.
The hearing before the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, chaired by Representative Chris Smith (NJ), and the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, chaired by Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), will focus on Pastor Saeed’s worsening plight.
We are grateful for this opportunity to elevate Pastor Saeed’s case, and it could not come at a more pivotal moment.
Last month Pastor Saeed was transferred from the political prisoner ward of Evin prison, a notoriously dangerous prison, to the violent criminal ward of Rajai Shahr prison, the deadliest prison in Iran. This week we learned that Pastor Saeed has been repeatedly robbed and threatened at knifepoint in this new prison.
Pastor Saeed’s health is also deteriorating. He is experiencing increased pain in his stomach as he is being denied necessary medication by Iranian authorities. He is malnourished, covered in lice, and losing weight because of horrendous prison conditions.
In light of his deadly situation and the Obama Administration’s refusal to even ask for Pastor Saeed’s release in recent direct negotiations with Iran, it is imperative that Congress speak out. The U.S. State Department and the Obama Administration must make Pastor Saeed’s freedom a true priority.
The life of a U.S. citizen – whose only “crime” is his Christian faith – is a stake.
More details and hearing location are available on the Committee’s website.
Stand with Pastor Saeed as we stand before Congress by singing the petition at BeHeardProject.com.
Publish Date: Fri, 06 Dec 2013 18:05:49 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+American Pastor Saeed Abedini's Wife and ACLJ to Testify Before Congress Next Week on His Worsening Plight
In a critical development in American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s case, Congress will hold a hearing next week on his worsening plight.
Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, and I have been asked to testify about Pastor Saeed’s dire situation as Members of Congress seek to once again elevate the plight of this U.S. citizen who been abandoned and wrongly imprisoned in Iran because of his faith.
A joint subcommittee hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee has been set for next, Thursday, December 12th at 9:30am.
The hearing before the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, chaired by Representative Chris Smith (NJ), and the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, chaired by Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), will focus on Pastor Saeed’s worsening plight.
We are grateful for this opportunity to elevate Pastor Saeed’s case, and it could not come at a more pivotal moment.
Last month Pastor Saeed was transferred from the political prisoner ward of Evin prison, a notoriously dangerous prison, to the violent criminal ward of Rajai Shahr prison, the deadliest prison in Iran. This week we learned that Pastor Saeed has been repeatedly robbed and threatened at knifepoint in this new prison.
Pastor Saeed’s health is also deteriorating. He is experiencing increased pain in his stomach as he is being denied necessary medication by Iranian authorities. He is malnourished, covered in lice, and losing weight because of horrendous prison conditions.
In light of his deadly situation and the Obama Administration’s refusal to even ask for Pastor Saeed’s release in recent direct negotiations with Iran, it is imperative that Congress speak out. The U.S. State Department and the Obama Administration must make Pastor Saeed’s freedom a true priority.
The life of a U.S. citizen – whose only “crime” is his Christian faith – is a stake.
More details and hearing location are available on the Committee’s website.
Stand with Pastor Saeed as we stand before Congress by singing the petition at BeHeardProject.com.
Publish Date: Fri, 06 Dec 2013 18:05:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Senator Cruz Decries Obama Administration’s “Unconscionable” Abandonment of American Pastor Saeed
Senator Ted Cruz, a stalwart advocate for American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s freedom, release a statement today condemning the Obama Administration for failing to secure Pastor Saeed’s freedom as part of its negotiations with Iran.
Sen. Cruz stated:
It is unconscionable that senior American diplomats, including the Secretary of State, who were conducting cordial negotiations with their Iranian counterparts in Geneva in the days after Pastor Saeed’s transfer, could not bring themselves to even mention his name, or those of fellow Americans detained in Iran, Amir Hekmati and Robert Levinson.
He noted how the Obama Administration’s inaction at a crucial time is leading to disastrous results for Pastor Saeed and other wrongly detained U.S. citizens.
He explained:
We are informed by administration officials that the issue of the American prisoners is 'on the margins' of more important diplomatic work, and that in any event, President Obama mentioned Abedini and Hekmati to Iranian President Hasan Rouhani when they spoke by telephone in September.
"The President’s action should not have been an end unto itself but rather the first step in a sustained effort to get these men home. Their unconditional release should be central, not peripheral, to any further agreement with Iran. If the United States was prepared to release an Iranian nuclear scientist, Mojtaba Atarodi, as a good faith gesture paving the way to direct negotiations between our two nations for the first time in more than thirty years, the Iranians should have been required to do at least as much.
Sen. Cruz is exactly right: Pastor Saeed’s freedom – that of a U.S. citizen – should be “central, not peripheral” in any engagment with Iran.
Pastor Saeed is now facing repeated robbings and threats at knifepoint in a deadly prison known for prisoner on prisoner violent.
Iran sent Pastor Saeed to disappear, and the Obama Administration has effectively left him for dead.
It is past time for the U.S. government to take this U.S. citizens plight seriously. We are thankful for Sen. Cruz and number other Members of Congress who have been willing to speak out for Pastor Saeed.
Publish Date: Thu, 05 Dec 2013 21:04:51 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Team Obama's 'Quiet Diplomacy' Efforts = Public Betrayal of Pastor Saeed Abedini
Amid growing outrage at the Obama administration’s determination to strike a deal with jihadist Iran that not only allows Iran to enrich uranium but also permits it to continue imprisoning and torturing American citizens, Secretary of State John Kerry spoke up to defend his State Department’s diplomacy.
During a press availability at NATO headquarters, Secretary Kerry said this regarding Obama administration efforts to free Americans held captive overseas, including Pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen held in Iran simply because of his Christian faith:
One day is too long to be in captivity, and one day for any American citizen is more than any American wants to see somebody endure. This has been too long in every case, and we will do everything we can and continue to. But these things are often best resolved in quiet diplomacy, under the radar screen, behind the scenes, and that is exactly what we have been pursuing. And when, in fact, we secure their release, the track record of those outreaches and those initiatives will speak for themselves as to how much effort and energy has been put into trying to secure their release. And God willing, we will get that done sooner rather than later, we hope. . . .
Continue reading this article on Fox News.
Publish Date: Thu, 05 Dec 2013 15:30:31 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+American Pastor Saeed Abedini Robbed, Life Threatened at Knifepoint, as Health Deteriorates in Deadly Iranian Prison
American Pastor Saeed Abedini not only faces deadly conditions in Iran’s Rajai Shahr prison, but we can now confirm that he faces direct threats on his life from other prisoners.
Pastor Saeed’s Iranian family was able to visit him yesterday – the second visitation allowed since he was transferred to the deadly new prison last month.
Pastor Saeed is facing constant threats to his very life in the new prison. There have been several nights where he has awoken to men standing over him with knives. Pastor Saeed’s “cell” is only separated by a curtain from the rest of the violent prisoner ward he is forced to share, allowing dangerous prisoners – murderers and rapists – unfettered access to him 24 hours a day.
He has also been robbed at knifepoint several times, stripping him of what few necessities he has been permitted to purchase for personal hygiene.
As a result of the robberies, the utterly deplorable conditions of the prison, and the lack of doctor-prescribed medication which is being withheld by prison authorities, Pastor Saeed’s health has quickly deteriorated.
The pain in his stomach has returned and he his now experiencing increased pain in what he described to his family as his kidneys. As a result of repeated beatings in Evin prison, Pastor Saeed suffered from internal bleeding. After months of being refused medical care, Pastor Saeed was allowed to see a doctor and was prescribed medication earlier this year. As a result of that medication, his physical condition had improved and his pain had subsided. However, since being moved from Evin to Rajai Shahr last month, Iranian officials have refused to allow him this critical medication and his condition is worsening
He is being refused medication, prescribed by Iranian doctors, for injuries he sustained from prison beatings. This is one of the most deplorable human rights violations imaginable.
To make matters worse, the prison conditions and lack of basic hygiene have led to his body being covered head to toe in lice. Because of the lice and increased pain, Pastor Saeed has been having trouble sleeping. He is also experiencing symptoms of recurring urinary track infections. There is no medication to stop the infections. He is now also experiencing significant joint pain.
His family reports that Pastor Saeed has also noticeably lost weight in the new prison from lack of proper nutrition.
The conditions he faces are unfathomable. He faces direct threats to his life on an almost daily basis.
Iran has sent him to disappear. The Obama Administration abandoned this U.S. citizen when given the opportunity to negotiate his release, even reportedly releasing an Iranian scientist for nothing in return. Pastor Saeed has been left for dead.
We must not forget Pastor Saeed. We must take action now.
I, along with ACLJ Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, am in Berlin this week meeting with foreign dignitaries and world leaders across Europe urging them to use international pressure to free Pastor Saeed.
The time is now to pressure Iran for his release. Each day could be his last.
Join tens of thousands in standing with Pastor Saeed by signing our petition demanding international sanctions until he is freed.
Publish Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2013 17:38:10 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Obama’s Failure to Include Pastor Saeed’s Release as Precondition for Iran Deal is Despicable
Jay Sekulow, ACLJ Chief Counsel, appeared on Fox News this morning to discuss the Obama Administration’s appalling betrayal of a U.S. citizen, Pastor Saeed, who was abandoned in obtaining a nuclear “deal” with Iran.
He told Fox News:
What a confidence measure it would have been, if as part of the preconditions for the relief from any sanctions on the Iranian regime, that they would release not only Saeed Abedini but the other two Americans being held by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
I hold the President responsible for this. I think what he did was despicable. Not having his release as a precondition of this nuclear deal is outrageous.
Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, too voiced her displeasure and utter shock that the Obama Administration would abandon a citizen of the United States in a brutal Iranian prison. She stated:
It is disheartening and discouraging that fighting for religious freedom and wrongful imprisonment of an U.S. citizen is no longer a priority for a country that was founded on such values. I cling to my faith and the hope I have in Jesus Christ to carry me through this difficult and emotional time as once again I have to look at the tear stained faces of my children and explain why daddy won’t be home for Christmas.
You can watch the interview on Fox News above.
The ACLJ represents Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, and their two children who live in Idaho.
Don’t let Pastor Saeed be abandoned. Speak out. Sign the petition demanding the U.S. government stand firm for Pastor Saeed.
Publish Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 17:41:04 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Jay Sekulow on CNN: Pastor Saeed Left Out of Iran Deal
Jay Sekulow and Naghmeh Join CNN "The Lead" to discuss Pastor Saeed's release being left out of Iran deal.
Publish Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 17:03:33 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+President Obama Builds on His Legacy of Betrayal
We just made a “deal” with a country that is holding and torturing an American pastor — without even bothering to secure that pastor’s release.
So forgive me if I have trouble believing in Iran’s good faith or even our own administration’s.
Saeed Abedini, a pastor who lives in Idaho with his wife and two young kids, secured a permission from the government of Iran to enter the country last year to help build an orphanage. Once there, the Revolutionary Guard arrested him and tried him for “national security” charges that were based on nothing more than his Christian faith.
The jihadist kangaroo court convicted him and sentenced him to eight years in prison, where he’s been tortured and abused. We were heartened (the American Center for Law and Justice represents Pastor Abedini’s family), when President Obama raised the issue when he spoke to Iranian president Hassan Rouhani. But in a stunning and immediate rebuke to President Obama, the Iranians shortly thereafter moved Abedini to an even worse prison, where he shares quarters with murderers and rapists.
Yet rather than viewing such a rebuke as unacceptable and holding firm on sanctions until the Iranians relented, the administration not only pressed forward on a deal that gives Iran sanctions relief while allowing it to keep enriching uranium, but also pledged to facilitate “humanitarian transactions” for the people of Iran.
As ACLJ chief counsel Jay Sekulow noted in his Fox column, we have offered to facilitate humanitarian aid for Iran, but Iran can’t even bring itself to make the single “humanitarian transaction” of releasing Pastor Saeed.
If you look at the Obama administration’s “fact sheet” released in the aftermath of the deal, you’ll note the deal is based entirely around a series of Iranian “commitments.” These commitments would be easier to believe if they were accompanied by a single, concrete good-faith action, such as releasing all Americans wrongly held in Iran.
But that apparently wasn’t an administration priority. When Fox News asked why Pastor Saeed wasn’t included in the deal, the administration responded: ”The P5+1 talks focused exclusively on nuclear issues.”
No, they did not. They also included “humanitarian” discussions.
Do we only care about the humanitarian needs of Iranians?
The Obama administration has established its troubling Middle Eastern pattern. In service of its grand vision, it will leave Americans behind — whether they’re besieged and isolated on a dark Benghazi night or alone and afraid in a dreadful Iranian prison.
If you’re going to make an omelet, I suppose you have to break a few eggs.
This article is crosposted on National Review.
Publish Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 16:55:32 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Obama White House Betrays an American Pastor
The Obama administration has left an American pastor behind.
In its quest for a “deal” with the hostile, jihadist Iranian regime, The Obama administration has thrown an American Christian, Saeed Abedini, under the bus – the latest American victim in the administration’s continual, naïve (at best) quest to bargain with Islamic radicals.
Let’s go to the scorecard: A part of this “deal,” Iran not only gets to keep its centrifuges (key equipment in the quest to build nuclear weapons) but is permitted to continue enriching uranium. . . .
Continue reading this article on Fox News.
Publish Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 16:45:06 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Jay Sekulow Spoke on Fox News: Pastor Saeed Abandoned By Obama Admin
Jay Sekulow spoke with Fox News about a new deal made with Iran by the Obama administration. The administration has left Pastor Saeed out of the deal, effectively abandoning him.
Publish Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 10:36:48 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+An Appalling Betrayal of American Pastor Saeed Abedini
On the night of November 23, 2013, the President of the United States left an American pastor, Saeed Abedini, behind.
The "deal" with Iran announced tonight by President Obama, which allegedly halts "part" of Iran's nuclear program, allows Iran to enrich uranium and allows it to maintain a nuclear program in exchange for an easing of sanctions and humanitarian relief.
It is outrageous that the Obama Administration commenced these negotiations and concluded them without the release of Pastor Saeed – a U.S. citizen. In fact, the Administration has just confirmed that he was not even part of the negotiations, stating that “The P5+1 talks focused exclusively on nuclear issues.”
The Obama Administration did not volunteer this information; it was revealed only after a specific inquiry from Fox News.
For more than a year, Pastor Saeed has undergone torture at the hands of his Iranian captors, most recently being transferred to one of the most deadly prisons in the world. Yet instead of demanding the release of this innocent U.S. citizen as a precondition to any negotiations with Iran, the Obama Administration is relaxing sanctions and providing humanitarian relief, while getting nothing but more meaningless promises in return.
Humanitarian relief?
Iran has been in a state of armed conflict against the U.S. since 1979. It has taken American hostages, killed Americans directly through terror attacks, and has been a principal supplier of arms to our jihadist enemies in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In other words, Iran has American blood on its hands.
Iran has been our enemy since the jihadist takeover in 1979, and it remains our enemy. It holds an American pastor -- torturing him in horrific prison conditions -- merely because it hates his Christian faith.
Pastor Saeed entered Iran with the permission of the Iranian government to help construct an orphanage, a mission to help the most vulnerable in Iranian society. Once there, he was arrested, tried without even being allowed to be present for his entire trial, convicted of nothing more than his Christian faith, and held in appalling conditions.
And we're giving Iran humanitarian relief?
It is difficult to comprehend the level of betrayal. We have made "deals" with tyrants before. One of former President Bill Clinton's gifts to the world was the 1994 "agreed framework" that provided U.S. aid in exchange for an alleged halt in North Korea's nuclear program. The result? North Korea is now not only a nuclear power but also a nuclear proliferator that has worked with Iran.
We have left Pastor Saeed behind in the vain hope that we can trust Iran.
It is a dark, cold night in America.
Publish Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 20:05:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Jay Sekulow on Fox News: Pastor Saeed Abandoned in Iran
Jay Sekulow appeared on Fox News to discuss how the Obama Administration has abandoned Pastor Saeed Abedini in Iran.
Publish Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 13:22:01 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+ACLJ Letter to Secretary Kerry Urging Him to Call for Saeed's Release Before Any Deal
ACLJ Letter to Secretary Kerry Urging Him to Call for Saeed's Release Before Any Deal
Publish Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 14:56:14 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+ACLJ Letter to Secretary Kerry Urging Him to Call for Saeed's Release Before Any Nuclear Deal
ACLJ Letter to Secretary Kerry Urging Him to Call for Saeed's Release Before Any Nuclear Deal
Publish Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 14:56:14 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Members of Congress Take Crucial Steps in Elevating Pastor Saeed’s Case
Members of Congress continue pressing efforts to increase international pressure on Iran to release American Pastor Saeed Abedini who is imprisoned in Iran for his Christian faith.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously approved H. Res. 147, calling for the release of Pastor Saeed, allowing it to proceed on to a full vote of the U.S. House of Representatives.
This is a important step forward in increasing pressure on Iran. The resolution, as amended, provides a strong call for Pastor Saeed’s release and an urgent call for the U.S. government to aggressively engage this issue to bring Pastor Saeed home.
H. Res. 147 states, in part:
That the House of Representatives— (1) condemns the Government of Iran for its persecution of religious minorities, including Saeed Abedini; (2) calls on the Government of Iran to comply with its international legal obligations and release Saeed Abedini to the United States; and (3) calls on the United States Government to work aggressively for the quick release of Saeed Abedini by designating additional Iranian officials, as appropriate, for human rights abuses pursuant to section 105 of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010.
Notably Representative Ed Royce (CA-37), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, explained the importance of this significant resolution and urged its quick passage.
We are encouraged by the progress of this resolution in the House and are hopeful that it will be quickly passed.
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a similar bipartisan resolution last week.
Senator Ted Cruz (TX) took the opportunity this week to again raise Pastor Saeed’s case to national prominence as he discussed pressing issues facing our nation on CNN.
He eloquently advocated why, during significant negotiations with Iran, Pastor Saeed must be a key part of those talks, and ultimately, that Iran must release this imprisoned pastor.
We know that public pressure on Iran is working. Iranian media is even discussing a social media campaign initiated by the ACLJ directly urging Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minster Javad Zarif to release Pastor Saeed. Thousands around the world took to Twitter yesterday calling for his release.
To join this growing social media effort, sign the petition for Pastor Saeed’s release, and write President Rouhani a letter go to BeHeardProject.com.
Publish Date: Thu, 21 Nov 2013 19:14:06 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Melting Down Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s Twitter Feed – To Save Pastor Saeed
This morning – to coincide with the resumption of nuclear negotiations with Iran – the ACLJ launched a Twitter campaign to contact Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. The message was simple:
To save Saeed, we have to apply relentless pressure, through every conceivable form of media. You’ve signed petitions, written letters, facebooked, tweeted, and texted.
And you haven’t been ignored. The Senate has passed a unanimous resolution calling for Pastor Saeed’s release. The President of the United States called for Pastor Saeed’s release in the first conversation between an American and Iranian president in more than thirty years, and even key members of the European community are joining the movement to Save Saeed.
All to often, when people lose interest in prisoners of conscience, the prisoner will lose his life. We cannot forget Pastor Saeed, and we must make sure that Iran knows we haven’t forgotten.
So, please, tweet for Pastor Saeed, and join the movement that’s vowed not to leave him behind.
Publish Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 20:19:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Over 10,000 Pastors and Leaders in Brazil Pray for Pastor Saeed Abedini’s Release
The Brazilian Center for Law & Justice continues to fight for the release of Pastor Saeed Abedini who was imprisoned in Iran for his Christian faith. Earlier this month, Pastor Saeed was taken to a deadly new prison, now surrounded by murderers and rapists. In this type of prison, prisoners are taken to be murdered by fellow inmates or disappear from public light.
On November 6th, at the Pastors and Leadership Conference called ESLAVEC in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, I along with Pastor Silmar Coelho, Pastor Silas Malafaia and Pastor Jabes de Alencar promoted a prayer for the release of Pastor Saeed. Dr. Coelho led the prayer along with more than 10,000 pastors and leaders at the Convention Center in Fortaleza. It was a great movement of God where all 10,000 pastors were in agreement with the release of Saeed.
Below is the link to see the prayer on video:
The CBLJ also distributed one hundred T-shirts that said “Saeed Save” for pastors and singers to use during the prayer. It was beautiful to see how people got involved on behalf of Saeed. They did not only use the t-shirt during the prayer, but several days of the congress.
Below is a pictures of the prayer event and Dr. Silmar Coelho praying for Pastor Saeed.
We believe in the power of prayer and that God can do a miracle through the prayer of the righteous.
Be part of the Save Saeed campaign. Take a picture holding a sign saying SAVE SAEED. Post it on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any social media.
We need your help. Pray, share this story and sign the petition for his freedom at BeHeardProject.com.
Publish Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 15:13:36 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed Alive But Still Held in Deadly Iranian Prison as Iranian Family Allowed Visitation
For the first time since he was abruptly transferred from Evin Prison to Rajai Shahr Prison earlier this month, American Pastor Saeed Abedini was allowed visitation with his Iranian family.
This is a positive sign that international pressure continues to work to keep Pastor Saeed alive. Pastor Saeed’s Iranian family has, for the past two weeks since his transfer, been prevented from visiting him – something they had previously been permitted to do once a week during his imprisonment in Evin Prison.
It is also the first physical confirmation of Pastor Saeed’s condition and life since his transfer to the brutal prison.
Pastor Saeed remains in the violent criminal ward – Ward 3 – of Rajai Shahr, sharing at 3 meter by 3 meter cell with other prisoners. This particular ward of the deadly prison holds some of the worst criminals in Iran – murderers and rapists.
International human rights organizations have reported that prisoner on prisoner violence, including murder, is routine at Rajai Shahr Prison.
Pastor Saeed’s situation remains dire. However, we are encouraged that his Iranian family was allowed visitation – and that his Iranian family was able to see him face-to-face and communicate with him. Pastor Saeed, however, has yet to receive the medication he has been prescribed for internal injuries suffered at the hands of his captors.
We believe that prayer and strong international pressure – the outcry of hundreds of thousands of people around the world – are keeping Pastor Saeed alive.
Last week the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution calling for the release of this U.S. citizen and key members of the European Parliament wrote a letter raising Pastor Saeed’s case.
A similar resolution is pending in the U.S. House of Representatives. The House Foreign Affairs Committee has announced that it will take up the resolution (H. Res. 147) this Wednesday. These statements, resolutions, and letters from U.S. and international government leaders are key to Pastor Saeed’s case.
We must not allow him to be forgotten. We must not allow him to disappear.
We continue to urge President Obama – who has previously directly spoken out about Pastor Saeed’s case – and the U.S. State Department to reengage this issue at the highest levels. As international negotiations continue with Iran regarding its nuclear program, Pastor Saeed’s freedom must be a chief concern. Human rights and specifically religious freedom – the first freedom – is a critical step forward for any nation on the world stage.
The time is now for Iran to release Pastor Saeed.
Add your name to the hundreds of thousands calling for Pastor Saeed’s release at BeHeardProject.com.
Publish Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 20:50:35 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+ECLJ Encouraged by International Letter of Concern for Pastor Saeed Abedini
The European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) said today it is very encouraged by the latest international move to place diplomatic pressure on Iran to release American Pastor Saeed Abedini, who is facing life-threatening treatment inside an Iranian prison because of his religious beliefs.
Several influential members of the European Parliament have just written a letter on Pastor Saeed’s behalf to Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union of the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Council of the European Union. The letter reiterated the resolution the European Parliament passed last month calling for Pastor Saeed’s release.
The letter urged:
"In the resolution the European Parliament expressed its deep concern about the fate of Pastor Saeed Abedini and called on the government of Iran to exonerate and release him. Due to the very serious developments in his situation, we the undersigned Members of the European Parliament, urgently request you to raise the case of Pastor Saeed Abedini to the Foreign Affairs Council and to your contacts in the Iranian administration."
"We are encouraged by this latest development," said Jordan Sekulow, Senior Counsel of the ECLJ. "As international diplomatic negotiations continue with Iran, having Pastor Saeed’s name raised directly with the Iranian government would be vitally important toward securing Pastor Saeed’s release."
The ECLJ is grateful to those who signed on to the letter: Mr. Oldrich VLASAK, Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mr. Struan STEVENSON, chair of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Iraq, Mr. Ryszard LEGUTKO, leader of the Polish Law and Justice delegation in the ECR Group, and Peter VAN DALEN, co-chair of the Working Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief of the European Parliament.
Pastor Saeed, a 33-year-old husband and father of two, has been illegally detained in Iran for over a year. In January 2013, the Iranian government convicted him of intentionally undermining the security of Iran through gatherings of Christians in private homes, and sentenced him to eight years’ of imprisonment.
The American Center for Law and Justice, an affiliate of the ECLJ, has launched a massive social media campaign to generate support for Pastor Saeed. More than 180,000 individuals have joined in the campaign to send letters to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, and over 625,000 individuals have signed a petition calling for Pastor Saeed’s release.
Publish Date: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 21:12:45 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Senate Unanimously Passes Resolution for American Pastor Saeed’s Release
The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution that directly calls “on the Government of Iran to immediately release Saeed Abedini and all other individuals detained on account of their religious beliefs.”
This critical bipartisan Senate resolution was sponsored by Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Rand Paul (R-KY), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Roy Blunt (R-MO), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Marco Rubio (R-FL).
The Senate resolution concludes:
Resolved, That the Senate— (1) recognizes that freedom of religious belief and practice is a universal human right and a fundamental freedom of every individual, regardless of race, sex, country, creed, or nationality, and should never be arbitrarily abridged by any government; (2) recognizes that governments have a responsibility to protect the fundamental rights of their citizens; and (3) calls on the Government of Iran to immediately release Saeed Abedini and all other individuals detained on account of their religious beliefs.
This is a critical step forward in increasing pressure on the Iranian government to release Pastor Saeed – a U.S. citizen.
A similar resolution is currently pending in the U.S. House of Representatives after clearing a key procedural hurdle yesterday. We are hopeful that this resolution will be approved quickly as well.
In light of his recent transfer to Rajai Shahr Prison – an extremely deadly prison where prisoner on prisoner violence leads to the murder of many inmates – it is more critical now that ever to voice our support for Pastor Saeed. The U.S. government must not let this U.S. citizen be forgotten.
Iranian authorities may have sent him away to disappear, but we will not be silent.
More than 228,000 Americans have signed a petition to President Obama urging him to reengage this critical issue and help bring this persecuted pastor back home to his family. Join with us in the critical time by signing the petition at BeHeardProject.com.
Publish Date: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 18:53:33 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Congress Continues to Lead in Fight to Free American Pastor Saeed Abedini
In light of the dire situation Pastor Saeed now faces having been transferred to a deadly new prison where he is being withheld critical medicine, Members of Congress are redoubling their efforts to bring this persecuted pastor home.
Senator Roy Blunt (MO) recently called the White House to urge President Obama to directly re-engage in the fight to free Pastor Saeed, a U.S. citizen.
After the phone call, he posted the following on his Facebook and Twitter pages:
//
In addition, congressional resolutions in both the House and Senate continue to make significant steps forward.
Yesterday, a resolution for Pastor Saeed in the House of Representatives passed a key committee hurdle. H. Res. 147, a bipartisan resolution sponsored by Representative Bill Cassidy (LA-6) and cosponsored by 78 members of both political parties, was approved by the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa. The resolution calls on Iran to immediately release Pastor Saeed.
In the Senate, 23 Senators have sent President Obama a bipartisan letter urging him to directly engage diplomatically for Pastor Saeed’s release. The bipartisan Senate resolution also continues to proceed in the Senate. We are hopeful that it too will clear key procedural hurdles in a timely fashion.
It is vitally important that both of these bipartisan resolutions quickly be passed by the House and Senate. Pastor Saeed is facing deadly conditions on a daily basis. Time is off the essence to use every avenue to place increased pressure on the Iranian regime to release Pastor Saeed.
Over 225,000 Americans have signed a petition urging President to Obama to re-engage for Pastor Saeed. Join them. Sign the petition to immediately engage for Pastor Saeed today.
Publish Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 20:22:13 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+The Church at Large Has a Responsibility to Pastor Saeed
It is far too easy for American Christians to hear of the imprisonment and brutal treatment of Pastor Saeed Abedini in Iran and just be complacent about it. After all, we are not being imprisoned for our faith, and shouldn’t Pastor Saeed have known that Iran is a dangerous place to begin with?
Attitudes like that will betray a brand of “Christianity” that is shaped more by lifestyle than by worldview, more by culture than by God’s Word. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us, “Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body” (13:3). Our thoughts and prayers are to be with our brothers and sisters suffering in prison for their faith as if we were right there beside them. Why? Because we are a part of the same body, the Body of Christ. And the Apostle Paul makes it clear that when one part of the body hurts it effects the entire body, even if halfway around the earth (1 Corinthians 12:26).
When Peter was imprisoned in the early days of the church, Luke tells us, “So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.” (Acts 12:5). Peter was imprisoned for the single fact that he was preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was sharing good news that would change the hearts and lives of men and women if they would believe. But that was seen as a threat to the “security” of the existing authorities, both religious and civil.
The church did not merely go into a helpless mode when Peter was kept in prison, but rather they became very active in prayer. Luke says the church “fervently prayed to God” on Peter’s behalf. The church believed that they served a God who is greater than Herod and that their God could deliver Peter if He so willed.
That is the call and challenge to the church in the United States and around the world today. We must be in “fervent” prayer on behalf of Pastor Saeed. He is a part of our body. He is our brother in Christ, and if he is hurting then the whole body is to hurt with him and hold him up to our Heavenly Father.
Pastor Saeed was working with orphans in Iran. Granted this work was because he is a follower of Jesus and seeking to obey Him, but it was also for the good of the Iranian people, not to undercut them in any way. It is somewhat ironic that the charges against him are for “attempting to undermine the national security of Iran by gathering with fellow Christians in private homes.”
There are several things that we need to be praying for in this situation.
Pray that God will bring about the release of Pastor Saeed. Whether he does this in the miraculous way He did with Peter in Acts 12, or through the efforts of the ACLJ and diplomatic channels, is not the issue. But we have to realize that God’s ways are not our ways and His are always best and right! As Paul says, “Oh, the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways.” (Romans 11:33).
Pray that, while imprisoned, Pastor Saeed will bring glory to God through his suffering. The Bible teaches us that we are to seek God’s glory in every place we find ourselves. In extraordinary circumstances like this but also in everyday, even mundane, things like eating and drinking (1st Corinthians 10:31)
Pray that God will use Pastor Saeed’s circumstances to see many come to know Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul saw this happen while imprisoned in Rome. Paul tells the church at Philippi that “ Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,” (Philippians 1:12-13) God uses situations that we see as negative to spread the gospel.
So perhaps God is going to use this horrible situation for the Abedini family to awaken the church in America to the real persecution and attacks that exist against Christianity in other parts of the world. Perhaps God is wanting to wake us from our slumber, our comfort, and be challenged to intercede and be involved with other parts of our “body” in very different and very dangerous parts of the world.
God was not caught off guard by Pastor Saeed’s circumstances; and God is not helpless to use these for Saeed’s good and for the good of the church, and for His own glory. May we Christians be sensitive to all that God is doing, and may we be obedient to His call to strengthen the body of Christ, the church, to face the spiritual warfare that is very real in our world. And may we stand in His grace, His truth, and wear the spiritual armor that Paul spoke about in Ephesians 6:10-20.
Let’s do battle in prayer for Pastor Saeed and the Abedini family and for God’s church around the world.
This article was written by Bill Haynes, Sr. Pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Somerset KY.
Publish Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 21:41:22 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+The Church at Large Has a Responsibility to Pastor Saeed
It is far too easy for American Christians to hear of the imprisonment and brutal treatment of Pastor Saeed Abedini in Iran and just be complacent about it. After all, we are not being imprisoned for our faith, and shouldn’t Pastor Saeed have known that Iran is a dangerous place to begin with?
Attitudes like that will betray a brand of “Christianity” that is shaped more by lifestyle than by worldview, more by culture than by God’s Word. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us, “Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body” (13:3). Our thoughts and prayers are to be with our brothers and sisters suffering in prison for their faith as if we were right there beside them. Why? Because we are a part of the same body, the Body of Christ. And the Apostle Paul makes it clear that when one part of the body hurts it effects the entire body, even if halfway around the earth (1 Corinthians 12:26).
When Peter was imprisoned in the early days of the church, Luke tells us, “So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.” (Acts 12:5). Peter was imprisoned for the single fact that he was preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was sharing good news that would change the hearts and lives of men and women if they would believe. But that was seen as a threat to the “security” of the existing authorities, both religious and civil.
The church did not merely go into a helpless mode when Peter was kept in prison, but rather they became very active in prayer. Luke says the church “fervently prayed to God” on Peter’s behalf. The church believed that they served a God who is greater than Herod and that their God could deliver Peter if He so willed.
That is the call and challenge to the church in the United States and around the world today. We must be in “fervent” prayer on behalf of Pastor Saeed. He is a part of our body. He is our brother in Christ, and if he is hurting then the whole body is to hurt with him and hold him up to our Heavenly Father.
Pastor Saeed was working with orphans in Iran. Granted this work was because he is a follower of Jesus and seeking to obey Him, but it was also for the good of the Iranian people, not to undercut them in any way. It is somewhat ironic that the charges against him are for “attempting to undermine the national security of Iran by gathering with fellow Christians in private homes.”
There are several things that we need to be praying for in this situation.
Pray that God will bring about the release of Pastor Saeed. Whether he does this in the miraculous way He did with Peter in Acts 12, or through the efforts of the ACLJ and diplomatic channels, is not the issue. But we have to realize that God’s ways are not our ways and His are always best and right! As Paul says, “Oh, the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways.” (Romans 11:33).
Pray that, while imprisoned, Pastor Saeed will bring glory to God through his suffering. The Bible teaches us that we are to seek God’s glory in every place we find ourselves. In extraordinary circumstances like this but also in everyday, even mundane, things like eating and drinking (1st Corinthians 10:31)
Pray that God will use Pastor Saeed’s circumstances to see many come to know Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul saw this happen while imprisoned in Rome. Paul tells the church at Philippi that “ Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,” (Philippians 1:12-13) God uses situations that we see as negative to spread the gospel.
So perhaps God is going to use this horrible situation for the Abedini family to awaken the church in America to the real persecution and attacks that exist against Christianity in other parts of the world. Perhaps God is wanting to wake us from our slumber, our comfort, and be challenged to intercede and be involved with other parts of our “body” in very different and very dangerous parts of the world.
God was not caught off guard by Pastor Saeed’s circumstances; and God is not helpless to use these for Saeed’s good and for the good of the church, and for His own glory. May we Christians be sensitive to all that God is doing, and may we be obedient to His call to strengthen the body of Christ, the church, to face the spiritual warfare that is very real in our world. And may we stand in His grace, His truth, and wear the spiritual armor that Paul spoke about in Ephesians 6:10-20.
Let’s do battle in prayer for Pastor Saeed and the Abedini family and for God’s church around the world.
This article was written by Bill Haynes, Sr. Pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Somerset KY.
Publish Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 21:41:22 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed Denied his Medication
This morning Pastor Saeed’s father tried to visit his son at Rajai Shahr prison, located in Karaj, Iran, only to be turned away by prison officials. Saeed’s father had brought with him some of Saeed’s personal belongings, blankets to keep him warm, and the medication doctors had prescribed Saeed last July to treat the injuries he had sustained while in Evin prison. Prison officials told the father Saeed could not have any personal belongs, including his medication.
As we reported just over a week ago, Iranian officials transferred Saeed from Evin prison in Tehran to Rajai Shahr, where Saeed is now sharing a cell with some of Iran’s most violent criminals – murderers and rapists.
Reports state that Rajai Shahr prison was built to house 5,000 inmates, but at present the prison holds roughly 22,000 inmates. Such overcrowding has led to what many call “deadly and inhuman” conditions within the prison. Human rights groups report that prisoners in Rajai Shahr do not have access to fresh air, proper nutrition, and that louse and communicable diseases are wide spread.
Saeed’s health had been improving with his medication in Evin prison, but with horrendous conditions in Rajai Shahr and the lack of proper medication, Saeed’s health will likely deteriorate quickly.
Please join us in prayer for Saeed’s health and protection. Take action in urging our nation’s leaders to take action to directly engage diplomatically to save Pastor Saeed’s life. Sign the petition to immediately intervene to #SaveSaeed at BeHeardProject.com.
Publish Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 22:41:56 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed Abedini Faces Grave New Danger
In a disturbing turn of events, an American Pastor imprisoned in Iran has been transferred to one of the deadliest prisons in the world, placing this U.S. citizen’s life in grave danger.
We have written before about the plight of Pastor Saeed Abedini who has been sentence to eight years in prison because of his Christian faith. The ACLJ represents the Abedini family in the U.S.
For more than a year, the 33-year-old pastor, husband and father of two has been incarcerated in Evin Prison, one of the worst prisons in the world. He has endured mental and physical torment – including beatings at the hands of his captors that resulted in internal bleeding and other serious injuries. . . .
Continue reading this article co-written by Matthew Clark on Washington Post.
Publish Date: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 17:27:40 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed: A Modern Day Daniel in a Modern Day Lions’ Den
Pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen serving an 8-year sentence in Iran for his Christian faith, has been transferred to one of the deadliest prisons in the world.
Instead of sharing a cell with fellow prisoners of conscience, he now is surrounded by 22,000 of Iran’s most violent criminals – murderers and rapists – in a prison built to only hold 5,000 inmates.
One foreign diplomat described the horrendous conditions of the prison this way:
Rajai Shahr is the place where political prisoners who are seen as a nuisance, are stowed away. Going to Karaj is a severe punishment. Once in there one stops to be a human being. One is put out of sight, even of human rights activists and the press. In Rajaï Shahr, political prisoners have to share cells with dangerous criminals like murderers, rapists and drug addicts who don’t hesitate to attack their cell mates. They have nothing to lose: many of them are condemned to death anyway. Murders or unexplained deaths are a regular occurrence.
His very life is at stake.
Pastor Saeed really is a modern day Daniel in a modern day lions’ den.
Thousands of years ago, in Persia, on the same soil that makes up the current country of Iran, a man named Daniel too stood firm in his faith. He refused to compromise his faith in God. He refused to recant his faith in God when the rulers of the nation he lived in demanded it.
He was thrown into a literal lions’ den. He prayed, and God closed the mouths of the lions, protecting him from certain death. As a result, he was freed and allowed to practice his faith.
Today, Pastor Saeed faces a new kind of lions’ den, Rajai Shahr, where lions appear in the form of prisoners who routinely murder other prisoners.
Pray that God would shut the mouths of the lions that surround Pastor Saeed– that God would deliver Pastor Saeed unscathed as God did with Daniel so many years ago.
Pray and urge our nation’s leaders to take action. Urge President Obama to directly engage diplomatically to save Pastor Saeed’s life. Sign the petition to immediately intervene to #SaveSaeed at BeHeardProject.com.
This article is crossposted on Red State.
Publish Date: Thu, 07 Nov 2013 22:04:17 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+23 Senators Urge President Obama to Save Pastor Saeed from “Death Sentence” in Bipartisan Letter
Twenty-three U.S. Senator’s have just sent a bipartisan letter to President Obama on Pastor Saeed’s behalf urging the President to take direct diplomatic action with Iran.
Led by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), the letter calls Pastor Saeed’s transfer a potential “death sentence” and urges President Obama to immediately speak out for his freedom. Now nearly a quarter of the U.S. Senate is urging action from the U.S. government on Pastor Saeed’s behalf.
Senator Cruz was join in this bipartisan letter by Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), John Boozman (R-AR), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Rob Portman (R-OH), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), John Hoeven (R-ND), Richard Burr (R-NC), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Rand Paul (R-KY), James Risch (R-ID), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mike Lee (R-UT), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Bob Corker (R-TN), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Enzi (R-WY), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).
This is a critical step forward in highlighting what is the most dangerous time in Pastor Saeed’s life. It is vital that we all continue to speak out for Pastor Saeed. As diplomatic talks continue today between Iran and world leaders, Pastor Saeed’s name must be a part of these talks.
Pastor Saeed is surrounded by the worst of the worst in a deadly Iranian prison. Time is of the essence to save this U.S. citizen’s life and bring him home to his family.
Please continue to sign the petition urging direct action from President Obama for Pastor Saeed’s freedom – the fastest growing petition in ACLJ history – on BeHeardProject.com.
The text of this powerful bipartisan letter is below. We would like to thank these Senators and many others who are taking action for Pastor Saeed.
Dear Mr. President,
We received the grim news on Tuesday that Pastor Saeed Abedini, an American citizen, was abruptly and without explanation transferred from Iran's Evin prison to the even more brutal Rajai Shahr prison in Karaj. Transfer to Karaj, customarily used to house violent criminals, has all too frequently been a de facto death sentence for political prisoners.
As you know, Pastor Saeed's only crime is the peaceful practice of his religion. Even under the terrible circumstances of his year in prison, his courage and faith, and that of his wife, Naghmeh, have been inspirational.
All those who have followed Pastor Saeed's case commend you for raising the issue with President Hasan Rouhani during your telephone call on September 27, 2013. We believe this new action by the Iranian regime merits additional response. It is imperative for the United States government to speak out boldly on behalf of Pastor Saeed, at the earliest possible opportunity, and we look forward to supporting you in this effort.
Publish Date: Thu, 07 Nov 2013 19:49:11 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+American Pastor Abedini in grave danger in Iranian prison
It happened suddenly and without explanation. U.S. citizen Pastor Saeed Abedini is now in grave danger – his life is at risk after a very troubling development just days ago in Iran.
For more than a year, Pastor Saeed has been imprisoned in Iran because of his Christian faith. He’s been serving an eight-year sentence for "crimes against the security of Iran" in Evin Prison in Tehran – one of the most notorious prisons in Iran.
On Sunday, he was transferred to Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj – a brutal facility that is much more obscure than Evin Prison, and even more dangerous. . . .
Continue reading this article on Fox News.
Publish Date: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 16:21:27 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed: A Call to Action as a Life Hangs in the Balance
In the most dangerous turn of events since Pastor Saeed was wrongly imprisoned, his life literally hangs in the balance. He has been transferred from one of the worst prisons in the world to an even more deadly prison, surrounded by the worst of the worst.
Yesterday, on Jay Sekulow Live! Pastor Saeed’s wife Naghmeh shared the urgency of his plight.
Listen as she and Jay Sekulow explain the extreme danger Pastor Saeed is now in and what you can do to be a voice for the voiceless.
Listen now:
Please pray, sign the petition urging President Obama to take immediate action, and share Pastor Saeed’s story.
Publish Date: Tue, 05 Nov 2013 16:53:19 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Jordan Sekulow on Fox News to Discuss an Update Pastor Saeed
Jordan Sekulow joined Fox News to discuss the update on Pastor Saeed being moved to a very dangerous prison.
Publish Date: Tue, 05 Nov 2013 13:08:29 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+An American Pastor in Immediate Danger in Iran
Today marks the “Grand Day of Death to America” in Iran – the anniversary of the 1979 embassy takeover – and one American pastor held captive in Iran is facing an immediate threat to his life.
Saeed Abedini, an Iranian-American pastor from Idaho who visited Iran to assist in building an orphanage, has been imprisoned for more than a year simply because of his Christian faith. Initially held in Evin Prison – where Iran holds hundreds of political prisoners – he’s been abused and pressed to sign “confessions” and convert to Islam. Showing courage few American Christians can comprehend, he’s steadfastly refused to “confess” (to crimes he didn’t commit) or convert.
At the American Center for Law and Justice, we represent Pastor Abedini’s family and have worked closely with members of Congress, the administration, and countries in the European Union and beyond to bring pressure on the Iranian regime. These efforts culminated not merely in a series of strong congressional statements and statements from Europe but also in the president of the United States directly addressing Pastor Saeed’s plight with Iran’s president Rouhani.
While these developments raised hopes for Pastor Saeed’s release, today brought devastating news. As the Revolutionary Guard appears to be flexing its muscles,Pastor Saeed was transferred from Evin Prison (which is brutal enough) to Rajai Shahr prison outside Tehran. Here’s how a Dutch diplomat described Rajai Shahr:
Rajai Shahr is the place where political prisoners who are seen as a nuisance, are stowed away. Going to Karaj is a severe punishment. Once in there one stops to be a human being. One is put out of sight, even of human rights activists and the press. In Rajaï Shahr, political prisoners have to share cells with dangerous criminals like murderers, rapists and drug addicts who don’t hesitate to attack their cell mates. They have nothing to lose: many of them are condemned to death anyway. Murders or unexplained deaths are a regular occurrence.
In other words, Pastor Saeed – an American citizen — may be about to become one of the “disappeared.”
It’s time for President Obama to reengage, to declare definitively that Iran cannot kill an American — either directly or indirectly by knowingly placing him in direct proximity to murderers. Pastor Saeed is “guilty” of nothing but Christianity, and that should not be a capital crime for anyone – least of all one of our own.
This article is crossposted on National Review.
Publish Date: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 22:10:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+American Pastor Saeed Transferred to Brutal Iranian Prison - Life is in Danger - President Obama Must Step In
There's been a very troubling development in the case of American Pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Iran because of his Christian faith.
The ACLJ has confirmed through Pastor Saeed's family members in Iran that he has been moved from Evin Prison in Tehran to Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj - an even more dangerous prison where he faces life-threatening conditions and treatment.
A member of Pastor Saeed's family in Iran arrived at Evin Prison today for the regular weekly visit and was told that Pastor Saeed had been moved to this this prison outside of Tehran yesterday - about an hour and a half drive away. The family member travelled to Rajai Shahr Prison and was told that Pastor Saeed is imprisoned there and is not permitted to have any visitors.
The unexplained and abrupt transfer comes as turmoil intensifies inside Iran where anti-American sentiment was on full display today as hardline opponents of Iran's President Rouhani's historic outreach to the United States took to the streets to mark the anniversary of the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Iran in 1979.
In today's protests, crowds chanted "death to America" - direct opposition to President Rouhani's promise of moderation.
The ACLJ has confirmed that Pastor Saeed is now in one of the most dangerous wards of Rajai Shahr Prison - where violent prisoners are held - those who are imprisoned for murder and rape.
In 2005, Loes Bijnen, a Dutch Diplomat from the embassy in Tehran, described Rajai Shahr prison:
"Rajai Shahr is the place where political prisoners who are seen as a nuisance, are stowed away. Going to Karaj is a severe punishment. Once in there one stops to be a human being. One is put out of sight, even of human rights activists and the press. In Rajaï Shahr, political prisoners have to share cells with dangerous criminals like murderers, rapists and drug addicts who don't hesitate to attack their cell mates. They have nothing to lose: many of them are condemned to death anyway. Murders or unexplained deaths are a regular occurrence."
The transfer to this prison is a deeply disturbing development and can only be viewed as a move that puts Pastor Saeed's life directly at risk.
President Obama called Iranian President Rhouani in September - urging him to release Pastor Saeed.
This new and extremely dangerous development requires the full attention and focus of President Obama. He must speak out now - directly and forcefully - to save Pastor Saeed's life. Pastor Saeed’s life is in grave danger.
There's wide bi-partisan support for a critical resolution in the Senate calling for Pastor Saeed's release. And we continue to work to ensure passage of that measure.
But it is critical that President Obama take immediate diplomatic action to save the life of this U.S. citizen.
Send a message to President Obama today. Sign on to our Petition to Immediately Intervene to Save Saeed.
Time is of the essence.
Update 11.5.2013: Pastor Saeed's wife Naghmeh gave the following statement in response to this disturbing turn of events:
"The news of Saeed's transfer to this prison is most difficult to bear. I am devastated and I do not know what to tell my children. I am more concerned now about his safety than at any other time during his imprisonment. I can only imagine the torment and anguish he is experiencing. He is truly defenseless in this prison - defenseless from the abuse and violence of other prisoners - defenseless from a radical government that continues to violate his rights. I am grateful for everything our government has done in the past - but now during this most dangerous and uncertain time - I once again call on our government - including President Obama - to fight for Saeed's life and his freedom - to fight for this U.S. citizen. During this most difficult time, I am strengthened by my faith in Jesus Christ and I continue to pray for my husband's safety and his release. I am also very grateful for those who support Saeed and our family."
Publish Date: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 17:24:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Update on Pastor Saeed Being Moved to Worse Prison
Live Update from Jay Sekulow and David French. Pastor Saeed has been moved to a new more dangerous prison.
Publish Date: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 17:10:19 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Powerful Bipartisan Resolution for Pastor Saeed Proposed in the Senate
In another powerful statement of bipartisan support for imprisoned American Pastor Saeed Abedini, a resolution has been proposed in the U.S. Senate calling for his release.
This bipartisan resolution is sponsored by Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Rand Paul (R-KY), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT).
Importantly, the resolution directly calls “on the Government of Iran to immediately release Saeed Abedini and all other individuals detained on account of their religious beliefs.”
It is another important step as the U.S. government continues to send a clear message to Iran: now is the time to “demonstrate the commitment of Iran to individual human rights through the release of all prisoners of conscience.”
Iran has promised change. It wants the world to believe that it is more moderate. Now is the time of it to put actions behind these words and release Pastor Saeed.
We urge the Senate to quickly and unanimously pass this bipartisan resolution for Pastor Saeed’s freedom.
The proposed Senate resolution concludes:
Resolved, That the Senate— (1) recognizes that freedom of religious belief and practice is a universal human right and a fundamental freedom of every individual, regardless of race, sex, country, creed, or nationality, and should never be arbitrarily abridged by any government; (2) recognizes that governments have a responsibility to protect the fundamental rights of their citizens; and (3) calls on the Government of Iran to immediately release Saeed Abedini and all other individuals detained on account of their religious beliefs.
It is a critical time in Pastor Saeed’s case. It is time for action from Iran.
Join the hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world who are signing petition and writing letters to Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani at BeHeardProject.com.
Publish Date: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 18:51:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Day After Day the #SaveSaeed Campaign Grows in Brazil and Worldwide
The #SaveSaeed campaign continues to grow in Brazil as more and more Brazilians take a stand for this imprisoned Christian pastor. Each day we receive pictures from people all over the country and some from other countries in the world. Many famous Christian leaders are getting involved each day. Christian singers like Eyshla, Brother Lazaro, Jonas Maciel and Pastors like Jabes de Alencar, Silmar Coelho and Gidalti Alencar are also involved. They are influencing many people around the country to take their pictures and send them to us.
As the Director of CBLJ, the ACLJ’s affiliate in Brazil, I have been traveling around Brazil speaking about Pastor Saeed's situation, the growing #SaveSaeed campaign, and how people can help. Every church or event that I am able to speak at people pray for Saeed's release. They are praying and hoping for a miracle.
The most amazing part about the campaign is how churches and children are getting involved as well. Children from all over the world. Below are pictures from children from Japan, Brazil and the United States who have stood up for Pastor Saeed. God is listening to these children. The world is speaking with one voice. It is time for Iran to release Pastor Saeed.
Dr. Silmar Coelho speaking in an event using the Save Saeed T-shirt.
Director of CBLJ Filipe Coelho speaking about Saeed in an event in Poços de Caldas, São Paulo.
Famous Christian Singer Eyshla and TD Jakes’s translator in Brazil Pastor Gidalti Alencar.
One of the most famous Christian Singers in Brazil, Brother Lázaro.
Well known Pastor Jabes de Alencar and pastor from the state of Pará.
Christian Country Singer Jonas Maciel.
Many churches have decided to join the fight. Below are a few.
Levantai Ministry
Projeto Semear (pic 1)
Projeto Semear (Pic 2)
Many children have joined as well.
Children in Brazil.
Children in Japan.
Children in America.
It is amazing what God is doing and how people are getting involved.
Publish Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 20:43:55 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Time for Iran to Act – Time to Release Pastor Saeed
The Iranian family members of American Pastor Saeed Abedini was able to once again visit him in Evin prison yesterday.
Pastor Saeed’s health appeared to be improved. The 33-year-old U.S. citizen is serving an eight-year sentence for his Christian faith in Iran, where he has been the victim of intense beatings that had resulted in internal bleeding.
In recent weeks, hopes had been high that Iran was preparing to do the right thing and release Pastor Saeed and other prisoners of conscious as part of a good faith showing under newly elected president Hassan Rouhani.
Several weeks ago, Iran released twelve prisoners from Evin Prison. That was followed up with an official announcement that 80 more prisoners of conscience would be released. Then last week, Iranian media reported that another 1241 prisoners could be released in conjunction with a religious holiday this past Thursday.
Yet, thus far, Iran has released only a small handful of those promised freedom, most of whom had completed or nearly completed their prison terms. Pastor Saeed expressed to his family how such lack of follow-through had greatly diminished morale for he and others inside Evin prison.
Iran has a clear opportunity to live up to its word and stake out a bold new position upholding fundamental freedoms and human rights for all Iranians. As for Pastor Saeed’s case, after President Obama raised the case with President Rouhani, Iran can no longer deny knowledge of holding him solely for his faith. Now a month since this historic call, it is time for Iran to respond. To show the world, and importantly the West that it can be trusted – that its human rights abuses are a thing of the past – Iran should release Pastor Saeed immediately.
Pastor Saeed and other prisoners of conscience stand as a living test of the Iranian regime’s promises. To be trusted they must hold true to their word. The time to act is now, not later.
The ball is in Iran’s court. The world is watching, intently waiting for real evidence of change.
Iran, will you release Pastor Saeed back to his loving family?
Publish Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 14:16:58 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+#SaveSaeed Campaign Continues to Grow in Brazil
Since the BCLJ’s Save Saeed campaign started about a week ago, it has been spreading all over Brazil and other countries. The campaign has reached Japan, Chile, Peru, England, Africa and the United States. It is amazing to see how people are willing to help.
CBLJ has printed #SaveSaeed T-shirts to distribute at a pastor's conference in November that will be held in Fortaleza, Brazil. There will be over sixteen thousand pastors from all over the world. The main speaker will be Dr. Myles Munroe from the Bahamas. The idea is to give out t-shirts to attendees at the conference and have a prayer for Saeed's freedom. We believe that God could do a miraculous work through this ongoing effort and the prayer and support of His people worldwide.
Here are a few more of the influential people in Brazil and worldwide who are taking part in this campaign:
One of the biggest Christian Singers in Brazil – Cassiane
Pastor Jorge Linhares is one of the most known in Brazil and pastor of one of the biggest churches called Baptist Getsemani in Belo Horizonte, MG.
Jairinho Manhães is a Christian singer and one of the biggest music producer in the market in Brazil.
Christian Singer Raquel Mello
Pr. Junior Souza is an up and coming speaker who is growing really fast. He has his own TV show on national TV every Saturday in Brazil.
Even Pastor Saeed’s Wife, Naghmeh, and their two children have gotten involved in the brand new global social media campaign for Pastor Saeed’s freedom.
Publish Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2013 17:14:56 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Brazilian Center for Law & Justice Starts New #SaveSaeed Campaign
(Translation from picture) – “Do Your Part, Participate”
As the director of the CBLJ, the ACLJ’s international affiliate in Brazil, I was recently working with our team on a new public advocacy campaign when the idea came up. We created a new campaign for Pastor Saeed Abedini who was arrested over a year ago in Iran for being a Christian.
The campaign is very simple and effective. Christian leaders, leaders from the government, and people all over the world take a picture holding a sign saying FREE SAEED or SAVE SAEED. The campaign started two days ago and the response from leaders and people in Brazil has been amazing. Many influential leaders have taken their pictures and posted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other websites.
Pastor Silas Malafaia who is today the most influential Christian in Brazil was one of the first to participate. Also participating is Pastor Everaldo Pereira who is the President of the Social Christian Party and is running for President in Brazil in 2014. Also participating are Dr. Silmar Coelho, Apostle Ezequiel Teixeira, Pastor Josué Gomes, and Christian singers PC Baruk, Raquel Mello, and Nani Azevedo, all very influential names in Brazil. Below are some pictures of leaders who participated:
@PastorMalafaia participa da campanha #savesaeed via @CBLJbrasil pic.twitter.com/61XiwqiSNn
Pastor Silas Malafaia (Most influential Christian leader in Brazil)
Pastor Everaldo Pereira (President of the Social Christian Party and running for President in 2014)
Doctor Marisa Lobo (defends family values in Brazil)
Dr. Silmar Coelho (Pastor and International Speaker, author of many best sellers and very influential in Brazil)
PC Baruk (famous Christian singer)
Publish Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2013 21:10:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Senator Rand Paul Makes Strong Statement for Persecuted Church and Pastor Saeed
Speaking today in Washington, Senator Rand Paul uttered one of the strongest calls ever made by a sitting Senator in defense of the persecuted church. Citing case after case of horrific persecution in the Muslim world, he decried media ignorance and inattention and demanded that the federal government cut off all aid to any nation that is conducting a war on Christians.
In the midst of the speech, he raised Pastor Saeed Abedini, the American pastor held by Iran, imprisoned and beaten for his faith in Christ. To raucous applause he demanded that Iran release Pastor Saeed, a moment that in many ways represented the emotional heart of the speech.
We've posted the entire speech. Watch it all (it's not long), and understand that the tide could well be turning. Like a sleeping giant, the American church is finally stirring itself on behalf of persecuted brothers and sisters abroad. It's time for each of us to Be Heard. Sign a letter to the Iranian President requesting that Iran save Saeed.
Publish Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2013 20:23:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed’s Wife Naghmeh Speaks to Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse Ministries
Franklin Graham and Samaritan’s Purse ministries recently invited Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, to their national headquarters to speak.
Franklin and Billy Graham and their ministries have been vocal and ardent leaders in the Christian community speaking out boldly for Pastor Saeed’s freedom. We are very appreciative for their support and the hundreds of thousands around the world who are willing to speak out.
Naghmeh shared her personal testimony, how she and Pastor Saeed met, and her continual fight for her husband’s freedom.
Watch her powerful speech above.
Learn how you can take action and #BeHeard for Pastor Saeed.
Publish Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2013 16:07:30 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+European Parliament Calls for Release of American Pastor Saeed Abedini
The European Parliament today passed a resolution that called for the exoneration and release of American Pastor Saeed Abedini, who is imprisoned in Iran simply because of his Christian faith.
Our team at the ACLJ, along with our European affiliate - the European Centre for Law and Justice - has been meeting with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) detailing the facts surrounding the illegal imprisonment of Pastor Saeed, a U.S. citizen.
In a press release issued today, the European Parliament reported the passage of the resolution, which had broad cross-party support, focusing on Pastor Saeed: "The fate of Pastor Saeed Abedini in Iran is also a matter of deep concern to MEPs, who called on the government to exonerate and release him immediately."
The resolution expressed that the European Parliament “[i]s deeply concerned about the fate of Pastor Saeed Abedini, who has been detained for over a year and was sentenced to eight years of prison in Iran on charges related to his religious beliefs” and called on the government of Iran to exonerate and release Pastor Saeed and other prisoners held for their religious beliefs.
Additionally, the Parliament “call[ed] on Iran to take steps to ensure that full respect is shown for the right to freedom of religion or belief, including by ensuring that its legislation and practices fully conform to Article 18 of the ICCPR”; recognizing that this fundamental right includes “the right of everyone to change his or her religion, if he or she so chooses”. The resolution on Pastor Saeed is found on page 124 of the document posted here.
This action signifies an important step forward in raising this issue to a new level - keeping pressure on Iran and keeping Pastor Abedini in the news. The resolution is already generating news coverage in Europe and the Middle East.
We are very grateful for the support of those Members of European Parliament who are standing for religious liberty and freedom and demanding that Iran release Pastor Abedini immediately.
This important development comes just weeks after President Obama raised Pastor Saeed's case with Iranian President Rouhani in a phone call - the first direct communications between an American president and the leader of Iran in more than 30 years.
There's growing pressure internationally for Iran to free Pastor Saeed.
As Iran continues to try and build diplomatic relations with western countries, releasing Pastor Saeed, who has been wrongfully imprisoned for more than one year in Iran's Evin Prison, would be a significant confidence building measure.
More than 625,000 people around the world have signed on to our petition urging the release of Pastor Saeed, and nearly 170,000 have written a letter directly to Iran's president calling for Pastor Saeed's freedom. If you haven't done so already, sign our petition and write a letter in support of Pastor Saeed.
Publish Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2013 19:00:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Religious Liberty Takes Center Stage in Diplomacy with Iran
President Obama’s recent phone conversation with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was not only historic, it was a major step forward in defense of religious liberty against ever-increasing persecution.
A couple of weeks ago we wrote about the plight of a U.S. citizen, Pastor Saeed Abedini, imprisoned in Iran for his Christian faith. Abedini has done nothing wrong. He has not even violated Iranian law, which recognizes Christianity as a minority religion. Yet, he has been imprisoned, beaten, and tormented for his religious beliefs.
September 26th was the one-year mark of his wrongful imprisonment by the Iranian regime – one year separated from his wife and children who are waiting for their father to be returned home to the U.S. . . .
Continue reading this article co-written by Matthew Clark on Washington Post.
Publish Date: Wed, 09 Oct 2013 15:23:31 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Jordan Sekulow & Naghmeh Abedini on Fox News: Obama Speaks for Saeed
Jordan Sekulow & Naghmeh Abedini spoke on Fox News discussing President Obama's call for Pastor Saeed's release.
Publish Date: Tue, 01 Oct 2013 10:34:27 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed Aware Obama Spoke Out as Iranian Media Reports Historic Phone Call
American Pastor Saeed Abedini is now aware that President Obama urged Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to release him from wrongful imprisonment for his Christian faith in Iran.
Early Monday morning in Tehran, Pastor Saeed’s Iranian family was able to sit and visit with him – through a glass partition – during regular visitation hours at Evin Prison.
For the first time, Pastor Saeed had a glimmer of hope that he would soon be released. Iranian news sources had reported on President Obama’s phone call with President Rouhani.
Pastor Saeed was aware that his case, among other imprisoned Americans, was raised during this historic phone call – the first direct conversation between an American president and an Iranian president in 34 years.
Although, the entire Abedini family is encouraged by the recent events, until Pastor Saeed’s feet are firmly planted on U.S. soil, they remain cautiously optimistic.
As Iran tries to win over western countries, there is no better way to build confidence with the United States that Iran is serious than to release those Americans wrongfully imprisoned in Iran.
Just over a year ago, Iranian authorities illegally imprisoned Pastor Saeed solely for exercising his Christian faith. By releasing this innocent man, Iran would demonstrate its alleged moderacy with concrete action.
We are keeping up the pressure on the Iranian government to release Pastor Saeed, a U.S. citizen. Already over 626,000 people have signed our petition to free Pastor Saeed and we have received over 134,000 letters to President Rouhani asking for his release.
Now is a critical time to act for Pastor Saeed as his case has been raised to the highest levels of both the U.S. and Iranian governments.
The world is watching.
Join the effort; sign a letter for Saeed’s freedom.
Publish Date: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 16:16:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Jordan Skulow & Naghmeh Abedini on CNN Discuss Obama's Call to Iran
Jordan Sekulow and Naghmeh Abedini appeared on CNN. They discussed President Obama's call to the Iranian President asking for Pastor Saeed's release.
Publish Date: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 09:49:54 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Naghmeh Abedini on Fox News: President Obama Asks for Pastor Saeed's Release
Naghmeh Abedini spoke with Fox News about President Obama's statement about Pastor Saeed.
Publish Date: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 09:39:06 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+President Obama Calls on Iranian President to Release American Pastor Saeed Abedini
Fox News is reporting that a senior Obama Administration official has confirmed that President Obama has called for the release of American Pastor Saeed Abedini in a phone conversation today with Iranian President Rouhani.
The source stated that President Obama raised Pastor Saeed’s case along with two other Americans directly with the Iranian President. According to the report, President Obama raised concerns about the imprisonment of Saeed and expressed our country’s interest in seeing the American pastor returned to his family.
While Secretary of State Kerry has called on Iran to release Pastor Saeed, this is the first time that President Obama has himself spoken out about the wrongfully imprisoned U.S. citizen.
On behalf of the Abedini family, we're very encouraged by President Obama raising the illegal imprisonment of Pastor Saeed. Today’s call is a significant step forward in this critical case.
We're also grateful to President Obama for raising Pastor Saeed's imprisonment and call on President Rouhani to put his promise of being "moderate" into action by releasing Saeed without further delay.
Pastor Saeed's wife, Naghmeh, responded to the news:
"This is the most encouraging news I have heard since Saeed was imprisoned one year ago. I am very grateful to President Obama for standing up for Saeed and for the other Americans who are held captive in Iran. This development is truly an answer to prayer. I urge President Rouhani, as I have done thoughout this week, to release Saeed so he can return to our home and our family in the United States. In recent days, Iran has released 80 prisoners being held because of their beliefs. I pray that we can add Saeed to that list very soon."
Pastor Saeed, a U.S. citizen, has done nothing wrong and is imprisoned simply because of his Christian faith.
If President Rouhani wants to start a new relationship with the United States, releasing this American pastor, husband, and father now would send an important message to the world.
Over 100,000 people have already written letters to President Rouhani urging Pastor Saeed's release. Please sign a letter to Iran's president today.
Publish Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 23:02:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Senator Cruz and Others Pray for Pastor Saeed in Front of the White House
Senator Ted Cruz joined thousands of people around the world in attending a vigil for Pastor Saeed yesterday.
Senator Cruz (above) and ACLJ Executive Director Jordan Sekulow (below) discussed the importance to standing up for this U.S. citizen in chains for the Gospel in Iran and joined in prayer for his freedom.
Publish Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 18:53:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Congress United for Pastor Saeed
As you know, the ACLJ’s advocacy for Pastor Saeed has spanned the globe and includes partnerships with numerous foreign governments. However, the most encouraging government show of support for Pastor Saeed may just come from the United States Congress. On numerous occasions, and in bipartisan fashion, members of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives have taken Pastor Saeed’s case to President Obama, to their colleagues, to foreign leaders, and to people around the world.
All of us at the ACLJ want to thank each and every Senator and Congressman who has engaged this effort. Below, you will find a list of specific congressional actions that have been taken for Pastor Saeed over the last year. Because of the abundance of action taken, it is a certainty that we have inadvertently omitted a few items, and we will continue to update this page as new actions are taken.
But one thing is clear. Like you, the U.S. Congress is committed to fighting for Pastor Saeed until he comes home.
January 15, 2013 - U.S. House Letter to Secretary Clinton led by Congressman Robert Aderholt and signed by 37 Congressmen
January 15, 2013 – U.S. Senate letter to Secretary Clinton led by Senators James Risch, Mike Crapo and Roy Blunt, and signed by 12 Senators
January 28, 2013 – Statement by Congressman Frank Wolf
January 28, 2013 – Statement by Congressman Robert Aderholt
January 28, 2013 – Statement by Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs Ed Royce
Statement by Congressman Tim Huelskamp
January 29, 2013 – Statement by Congressman Trent Franks
January 29, 2013 – Senator Marco Rubio secures direct call from Secretary Kerry for Pastor Saeed’s release
January 30, 2013 – Letter to President Obama from Senator Lindsey Graham
February 12, 2013 – Bicameral and bipartisan letter to Secretary Kerry led by Congressman Trent Franks, Congressman Henry Waxman, Senator Frank Lautenberg, and Senator Mark Kirk, and signed by 22 Senators and 62 Congressmen
February 14, 2013 – Trent Franks releases video appeal for Pastor Saeed
March 15, 2013 – Hearing in the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. Congress, led by Congressman Frank Wolf and attended by Congressman Chris Smith, Congressman Trent Franks, Congressman Robert Aderholt, Congressman Raul Labrador and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici
April 10, 2013 – Resolution calling for Pastor Saeed’s release introduced by Congressman Bill Cassidy
September 11, 2013 – Congressman Trent Franks responds to the rejection of Pastor Saeed’s appeal
September 24, 2013 – Senator Ted Cruz introduces resolution calling for Pastor Saeed’s release
September 25, 2013 – Letter to President Obama led by Congressman Robert Pittenger and signed by 75 Congressmen
September 26, 2013 – Senator Lindsey Graham releases video appeal for Pastor Saeed and again writes letter to President Obama
September 26, 2013 – Senator Ted Cruz, Congressman Trent Franks and Congressman Robert Pittenger attend prayer vigil for Pastor Saeed
September 26, 2013 – Op-ed by Senator Marco Rubio calling for Pastor Saeed’s release
September 26, 2013 – Senator Lindsey Graham writes a letter to President Obama calling for Pastor Saeed’s release
Publish Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 16:31:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Iran’s President Speaks of Religious ‘Tolerance,’ Now is Time for Action: Free American Pastor Saeed Abedini
Iran’s new president, Hassan Rouhani, began his remarks to the United Nations General Assembly this week both acknowledging the world’s “fear of deadly confrontation of religious, ethnic and national identities” and urging “the hope of preference of dialogue over conflict, and moderation over extremism.”
He reiterated the “need to promote and reinforce tolerance in light of the religious teachings and appropriate cultural and political approaches.”
The talk of moderation and religious tolerance from Iran’s new president is a welcome reprieve from the Ahmadinejad years with his calls for death to America and the annihilation of the Jewish people. Yet, talk with no action does nothing to change the reality of Iran’s continued repression of religious minorities. . .
Continue reading this article co-written by Matthew Clark on Washington Post.
Publish Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 15:05:51 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Jailed for Practicing Christianity in Iran
By Naghmeh Abedini
To Hassan Rouhani, president of Iran:
Before your arrival in New York this week to address the United Nations General Assembly, Iran announced that it had released 80 political prisoners. No doubt the gesture was welcomed by the prisoners and their families, but the release only makes a dent in the hundreds of prisoners being held in Iran for their beliefs—political beliefs or religious beliefs.
I know, because my husband, Saeed Abedini, is an American citizen held in an Iranian prison for the crime of practicing his Christian faith in the country of his birth. I was fortunate enough to encounter your delegation in New York during your visit this week, and while I did not get an opportunity to speak with you directly, I was encouraged that one of your associates accepted a letter that Saeed had written to you.
But I worry the letter wasn't given to you. So I write you here with Saeed's plea for justice and freedom. . . .
Continue reading this article, "Jailed for Practicing Christianity in Iran," in the Wall Street Journal.
Publish Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 14:21:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed Prayer Vigil in Washington DC with Jordan Sekulow
Pastor Saeed Prayer Vigil in Washington DC with Jordan Sekulow
Publish Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 13:47:16 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+National Leaders Take to Social Media to #BeHeard for Pastor Saeed
On the one-year anniversary of Pastor Saeed’s illegal imprisonment in Iran important political and cultural voices are speaking out for his freedom. Thank you to each who have given Pastor Saeed a voice.
//
In addition to social media, many others have written about Pastor Saeed today.
Senator Lindsey Graham wrote a letter to President Obama urging him to speak out for Pastor Saeed.
Senator Marco Rubio wrote an Op-Ed about Pastor Saeed, "One Year Anniversary of US Citizen Saeed Abedini's Imprisonment in Iran."
The Washington Times Editorial Board wrote urging Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to free Pastor Saeed.
World-renowned Evangelist Billy Graham wrote a letter to President Rouhani asking for Pastor Saeed’s release in the New York Times.
Members of Congress, including Senator Ted Cruz and Representatives Trent Franks and Robert Pittenger, joined prayer vigils around the nation for Pastor Saeed.
This list continues to grow, and we will update it as we are able. Thank you to each one who has spoken out to #BeHeard for Pastor Saeed.
Publish Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 20:42:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Senator Graham Writes Letter to President Obama, Calls on the President to 'Personally' Call for Pastor Saeed's Release
Following his video for Pastor Saeed, Senator Lindsey Graham has now written another letter to President Obama, calling on him to "personally" add his voice to those calling for Pastor Saeed's release. Please the letter below, and thank you, Senator Graham, for your stalwart defense of religious liberty and human rights.
Dear President Obama:
Today marks the one year anniversary of the wrongful incarceration of Pastor Saeed Abedini by an overtly anti-Christian Iranian regime, and this letter serves to follow up on my original request of January 30, 2013. Pastor Abedini 's only " crime" was practicing his Christian faith -- and for that, he was sentenced to eight years in prison.
I was disappointed you failed to use the United Nations General Assembly's Opening Session this week to press the case of Pastor Abedini. Not only does the extremist Iranian government need to hear your voice on behalf of Pastor Abedini, but also do tyrants around the world who would persecute individuals for their practice of Christianity.
I appreciate Secretary Kerry's recent demand that the Iranian regime overturn Pastor Abedini's sentence. That was an important step. While I fully recognize the myriad national security issues posed by the fanatical theocracy in Tehran, I believe the case of Pastor Abedini deserves your full attention and engagement. To this end, it is imperative that you personally add your voice to those calling for Pastor Abedini 's immediate and unconditional release. There is no better symbol of American values, specifically freedom of religion, or demonstration of loyalty to the welfare of our citizens abroad than vocal and sustained support directly from the President of the United States.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. I hope that this letter gives voice to the thousands of Christians and Christian missionaries here and abroad whose own safety is threatened daily for their belief in God. These men and women pray every day for Pastor Abedini 's safe release and immediate return to America and I am asking you to help see that their prayers are realized.
Sincerely, Lindsey O. Graham United States Senator
Publish Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:22:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Washington Times Editorial Urges Pastor Saeed’s Release
Today, in recognition of the one-year mark of American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s illegal imprisonment in Iran, the Washington Times Editorial Board calls on Iran to release Pastor Saeed.
In an editorial entitled, “An opportunity for Iran: It should release a Christian pastor imprisoned for his faith,” the times details Pastor Saeed’s case and urges Iran’s new leadership to live up to its promises of moderation.
The Washington Times writes:
If Tehran is genuinely interested in improving relations with the United States and the West, Mr. Rouhani and the ruling mullahs could prove it with a small gesture. He could free a Christian pastor who on Thursday marks his first anniversary as a political prisoner in Tehran’s notoriously evil Evin Prison. . . .
Mr. Abedini’s wife told an audience at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., last week that her husband was promised his freedom if he would renounce his Christian faith and embrace Islam. . . . His wife says his remarkable fortitude has won 30 converts to the Christian faith among the other inmates, mostly Muslims. The Iranian government could release Mr. Abedini if only to protect Islam from further erosion at Evin Prison. . . .
By freeing this captive, the new Iranian president could show the world that the frequently used “moderate” label actually applies here, and Iran’s “new” leader isn’t just a fresh new face installed as a substitute for an ugly one.
Today, as we gather with thousands around the world at over 100 prayer vigils, we want to thank the Washington Times for being a voice for the voiceless and all those who are taking a stand to bring this American pastor home.
Publish Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:58:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Grim Anniversary -- One Year in Iranian Prison for My Husband Pastor Saeed Abedini
By Naghmeh Abedini
One year of abuse. One year of absence.
One year of separation from his young children. One year that my husband, Pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen, has endured the brutality of illegal imprisonment in Iran.
One year ago, the government of Iran imprisoned my husband because of his Christian faith. Earlier last summer, Saeed travelle to Iran – something he had done many times without incident – to finalize work on a government-endorsed orphanage we had been building in northwest Iran. . . .
Continue reading this article on Fox News.
Publish Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 01:58:34 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+State Department to Send Representative to Pastor Saeed Prayer Vigil
In an important gesture of good will and concern, the U.S. State Department is sending a high-level representative to Pastor Saeed's prayer vigil in Washington D.C. In the letter below, the State Department expresses regret that Secretary of State Kerry can't attend but designates Jane Zimmerman, the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor to attend in his place.
We welcome the State Department's presence and look forward to praying alongside Ms. Zimmerman.
Publish Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 15:28:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Jordan Sekulow & Naghmeh Abedini on Fox News Discuss The Fight for Saeed
Jordan Sekulow and Naghmeh Abedini spoke on Fox News about Pastor Saeed and Christian persecution in Iran.
Publish Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 15:11:45 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Naghmeh Abedini on Fox News Discusses Fighting for Her Husband Pastor Saeed
Naghmeh Abedini appeared on Fox News to talk about passing a letter to the Iranian delegation in New York in support of her husband Pastor Saeed.
Publish Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 14:04:41 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Over 100 Grassroots Prayer Vigils for Pastor Saeed Worldwide Thursday
Thursday, thousands of Americans, literally from coast to coast will gather at state capitals, city halls, parks, and churches to pray for Pastor Saeed. Thousands more will gather in nations around the world.
Thursday, September 26, 2013, Pastor Saeed will have spent 365 days of torment in an Iranian prison because of his Christian faith. It is just the first year of an eight-year prison sentence – a sentence he should never have to serve. It is an ongoing human rights violation compounded day after day.
The new president of Iran wants the world to believe Iran is changing. He is talking about improved diplomatic relations and has even released a few political prisoners. Now, its time for him to prove it – to initiated a new era of human rights and dignity in Iran – to release Pastor Saeed.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani now has a letter from Saeed, a letter from Billy Graham, and will receive letters from more than 90,000 others urging Pastor Saeed’s freedom.
At Thursday’s prayer vigils that call, that prayer, will ring out at grassroots events in over 40 states in America and more than 15 other nations world wide.
Find one of the more than 100 events scheduled worldwide nearest you here.
Plan to attend a prayer vigil for Pastor Saeed. Urge your friends to attend. Urge them to #BeHeard for Pastor Saeed, to #BeHeard for the persecuted Church.
Will you join us to pray for Pastor Saeed on Thursday?
This article is crossposted on Red State.
Publish Date: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 21:21:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Billy Graham Writes Iran's President for Pastor Saeed
The Reverend Billy Graham has joined tens of thousands of Americans in writing a letter directly to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The full text of the letter is below, and we thank Reverend Graham for standing with Pastor Saeed:
Publish Date: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 16:04:58 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Breaking: Pastor Saeed's Wife Speaks to Iranian President, Hand-Delivers Letter
Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, hand-delivered a letter to Iran’s new president urging her husband’s freedom today.
The encounter occurred as Naghmeh was participating in an interview in the lobby of a New York hotel where she is staying. As it turns out, the Iranian delegation is also staying at the same hotel.
As Naghmeh was talking with a reporter, the Iranian delegation – with President Hassan Rouhani – walked through the lobby toward the elevators.
Naghmeh approached the delegation and respectfully introduced herself to President Rouhani and speaking in Farsi asked him to release her husband who is imprisoned in Evin Prison because of his faith. She told the Iranian president’s delegation she wanted to deliver a letter that Pastor Saeed had written to the president pleading for his release.
As the elevator doors closed, a member of President Rouhani’s detail accepted Pastor Saeed’s letter from Naghmeh and said he would deliver it to President Rouhani.
We are hopeful that President Rouhani will quickly act for Pastor Saeed’s release as he has done for other prisoners of conscience in Iran in recent days.
There are new reports today that Iran announced the release 80 prisoners of conscience as he departed Iran for the United States ahead of an appearance at the United Nations.
Unfortunately, it appears that Pastor Saeed was not among those reportedly released. We can confirm that Pastor Saeed's family in Tehran saw him today during regular visitation hours, and as of noon Tehran time, he was still imprisoned and the family has not been notified that his status has changed.
While the release of these prisoners of conscience is a welcomed humanitarian gesture from the new Iranian regime, Iran must release Pastor Saeed Abedini – a U.S. citizen – wrongly imprisoned for his faith. This week, Thursday, September 26th, is the one-year mark of the imprisonment of Pastor Saeed, who recently wrote his daughter a letter for her birthday.
If Iran’s new president wants the American people and the international community to believe he is a true reformer, he must release Pastor Saeed. As long as prisoners of conscience, including a U.S. citizen, suffer torment in Iranian prison, President Rouhani’s claims of change will remain unsubstantiated.
President Rouhani is clearly seeking international approval. He is listening. And now he has Pastor Saeed’s letter.
Now is the time to speak with one voice. Already, more than 80,000 letters have been written to Iran’s new president through the ACLJ’s #BeHeard Project website. Join one of the largest letter-writing campaigns in history and urge Pastor Saeed’s freedom today.
Publish Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 18:22:51 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Breaking: Pastor Saeed's Wife Speaks to Iranian President's UN Delegation, Hand-Delivers Letter
UPDATE: This post has been revised to reflect new accounts of Naghmeh's encounter with President Rouhani's delegation.
Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, hand-delivered a letter to the Iranian president's UN delegation urging her husband’s freedom today.
The encounter occurred as Naghmeh was participating in an interview in the lobby of a New York hotel where she is staying. As it turns out, the Iranian delegation is also staying at the same hotel.
As Naghmeh was talking with a reporter, the Iranian delegation – with President Hassan Rouhani – walked through the lobby toward the elevators.
Naghmeh approached the delegation and attempted to introduce herself to President Rouhani as the elevator doors were closing. Speaking in Farsi, she was able to tell members of the president's delegation about her husband who is imprisoned in Evin Prison because of his faith and urged his release. She told the Iranian president’s delegation she wanted to deliver a letter that Pastor Saeed had written to the president pleading for his release.
A member of President Rouhani’s detail accepted Pastor Saeed’s letter from Naghmeh and said he would deliver it to President Rouhani.
And just a few hours after that encounter, Naghmeh spoke with another member of the Iranian president's UN delegation in the same hotel lobby and delivered Saeed's letter to her as well.
We are hopeful that President Rouhani will quickly act for Pastor Saeed’s release as he has done for other prisoners of conscience in Iran in recent days.
There are new reports today that Iran announced the release 80 prisoners of conscience as he departed Iran for the United States ahead of an appearance at the United Nations.
Unfortunately, it appears that Pastor Saeed was not among those reportedly released. We can confirm that Pastor Saeed's family in Tehran saw him today during regular visitation hours, and as of noon Tehran time, he was still imprisoned and the family has not been notified that his status has changed.
While the release of these prisoners of conscience is a welcomed humanitarian gesture from the new Iranian regime, Iran must release Pastor Saeed Abedini – a U.S. citizen – wrongly imprisoned for his faith. This week, Thursday, September 26th, is the one-year mark of the imprisonment of Pastor Saeed, who recently wrote his daughter a letter for her birthday.
If Iran’s new president wants the American people and the international community to believe he is a true reformer, he must release Pastor Saeed. As long as prisoners of conscience, including a U.S. citizen, suffer torment in Iranian prison, President Rouhani’s claims of change will remain unsubstantiated.
President Rouhani is clearly seeking international approval. He is listening. And now he has Pastor Saeed’s letter.
Now is the time to speak with one voice. Already, more than 80,000 letters have been written to Iran’s new president through the ACLJ’s #BeHeard Project website. Join one of the largest letter-writing campaigns in history and urge Pastor Saeed’s freedom today.
Publish Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 18:22:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Iran Frees Political Prisoners; Why Not Free Pastor Saeed?
In advance of new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's first trip to the United Nations, Iran has freed a number of political prisoners including one of Iran's most prominent human rights advocates.
While we of course welcome this humanitarian gesture in Iran, it's past time for Iran to release Pastor Saeed Abedini. His only crime is his Christian faith, he presents no threat to Iranian national security, and he only wants to return home to his family in Idaho. There is simply no just cause for continuing a prison sentence that violates not only the Iranian constitution but also international human rights conventions.
Fortunately, we're not alone in believing it's time for Iran to act. U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power tweeted this morning for Pastor Saeed's release.
Ambassador Power is joined by (at this moment) almost 59,000 others who've written their own letter to President Rouhani requesting that Pastor Saeed be freed.
There is no better time for President Rouhani to release this American pastor than during his first trip to American soil. Write President Rouhani and be heard for Saeed.
Publish Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:01:16 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed’s Wife Spoke at Liberty University’s Convocation Before 10,000 Students
On Monday the wife of illegally imprisoned American Pastor Saeed Abedini spoke at Liberty University’s convocation to a crowd of about 10,000 students.
Watch Naghmeh’s powerful speech of faith and hope above.
Take action with her by signing a letter to Iran’s new president, Hassan Rouhani, urging Pastor Saeed’s freedom.
Publish Date: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 18:36:26 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Fox News Update on Pastor Saeed
Fox News gave a viewer request update on imprisoned American Pastor Saeed Abedini as he approaches one year of illegal imprisonment in Iran for his Christian faith.
Publish Date: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 11:23:35 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed Writes Iran's New President, Seeking Freedom
As tens of thousands of Americans are writing letters to Iran's new president, urging him to release Pastor Saeed, a U.S. citizen in prison imprisoned in Iran for his faith. Pastor Saeed has written his own letter, from the heart of brutal Evin Prison, stating his case to President Hassan Rouhani. The full text follows:
Publish Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 15:52:04 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+The Be Heard Project: Giving a Voice to Pastor Saeed
Pastor Saeed is approaching one year in Iranian prison simply because of his Christian faith. Be heard. Help save Saeed.
Publish Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 13:25:26 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed, other Christians Caught in the Crosshairs, Yet Nary a Word from Obama
An Islamic terror campaign against Christians in Egypt should be headline-grabbing news. Not so. Few media outlets are focusing on the story behind the story in Egypt -- a calculated assault against Egypt’s ancient Christian community.
In recent weeks, the violence in Egypt --fueled by hate-filled radical Muslims -- has resulted in the murder of Coptic Christians and the destruction of dozens of churches. Radical Islamists have even paraded Christian nuns through the streets like prisoners of war.
Supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, an anti-American, anti-Israel terrorist group, put red paint on Christian homes and businesses -- marking them as targets. . . .
Continue reading this article on Fox News.
Publish Date: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 21:22:27 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Secretary Kerry’s Reengagement on American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s Case Welcomed – Time for President Obama to Engage
Secretary of State John Kerry’s statement urging Iran to allow American Pastor Saeed Abedini to return to his family – to those who love him and miss him – is an important diplomatic step in the effort for his freedom.
We welcome this renewed involvement and effort initiated by Secretary Kerry to bring Pastor Saeed – a U.S. citizen imprisoned for his faith – back home to his wife and young children.
Secretary Kerry’s statement comes just days after the Iranian judiciary denied Pastor Saeed’s appeal and affirmed his conviction and 8-year prison sentence.
This statement from America’s top diplomat reaffirms that despite the devastating legal decision in Iran, the fight for Pastor Saeed’s freedom is far from over.
It is a critical time to reengage Iran, to use all diplomatic avenues to secure his release.
We urge the State Department to follow Secretary Kerry’s lead and redouble all efforts for Pastor Saeed’s freedom. As a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Iran merely because of his Christian faith, the U.S. Government – his government – should be doing everything in its power to bring this innocent man home to his family.
While Secretary Kerry’s statement puts Pastor Saeed’s case back in the diplomatic spotlight, paper statements alone will not bring about his freedom. It is time for the President of the United States to engage his case. When a U.S. citizen – a Christian Pastor – is illegally imprisoned in a foreign land, it should be a top priority of the President to bring him home.
Pastor Saeed’s case deserves the attention and commitment of President Obama who can raise Pastor Saeed’s case to the highest level of international diplomacy. We call on President Obama to elevate Senator Kerry’s statements and urge Iran to allow Pastor Saeed to return home to his family.
We represent Pastor Saeed’s wife Naghmeh. And she, too, is urging that her husband’s case and religious freedom be a top priority for this Administration. She stated:
I am very thankful for the statement that Secretary of State John Kerry made to Iran regarding Saeed's immediate return to our family, and I hope that the State Department is truly willing explore all avenues to secure my husband’s release. While, I am pleased with this development, I still expect my president, President Obama, who has remained silent thus far, to speak out on this very critical human rights issue and let the Iranian government and the world know that religious freedom is still a top priority for our government. President Obama must demonstrate that America will not stay silent in the face of religious persecution, nor will it let an American citizen waste away in an Iranian prison simply because he chose to follow Jesus.
As the fight for Pastor Saeed’s freedom continues, two key portions of Secretary Kerry’s statement show the direction we are taking moving forward.
Now that Pastor Saeed’s judicial appeals have been exhausted, the focus turns to the leadership of Iran. A decision to release Pastor Saeed will come from the top. Secretary Kerry noted the importance of reaching out directly to the new president of Iran: “President Rouhani has shared in his speeches and interviews over the past few months his hope and vision to improve the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s relationship with the world.”
The ACLJ is just days away from launching a new effort for Pastor Saeed focusing on international pressure on the leadership of Iran to release Pastor Saeed. In the coming days, we will be announcing how you can take direct action with the leadership of Iran for Pastor Saeed. We know the pressure of individuals around the world can make an incredible difference in these cases, just at it did in the case of Pastor Youcef who was freed nearly one year ago.
The second key landmark Secretary Kerry mentioned is the upcoming anniversary of Pastor Saeed’s imprisonment. Secretary Kerry stated, “On September 26, Mr. Abedini will have spent a year in detention in Iran.”
Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, is organizing a nationwide prayer vigil for Pastor Saeed on that day, September 26th. There are vigils scheduled in nearly every state in America and numerous foreign cities, with more being added each day. Learn more and about how you can participate in a vigil for Pastor Saeed near you at SaveSaeed.org.
Because of the support of hundreds of thousands of people, Pastor Saeed’s case has gained immense international media and diplomatic attention. It is time to focus the pressure on the Iranian regime to free this innocent U.S. citizen. He must be allowed to return home to his family that loves him and misses him.
Publish Date: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 18:33:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Secretary of State Kerry Urges Iran to Allow American Pastor Saeed Abedini to “Return” Home to His Family
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry issued a statement today asking Iran to help American Pastor Saeed Abedini “return” to his family.
This is the second time Secretary Kerry has publicly urged Saeed’s release and comes amid a broader request to help two other U.S. citizens return home to their families.
Secretary Kerry stated:
The United States respectfully asks the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to work cooperatively with us in our efforts to help U.S. citizens Robert Levinson, Amir Hekmati, and Saeed Abedini to return to their families after lengthy detentions.
. . . .
The United States is also deeply concerned about the fate of dual U.S. citizen[] . . . Saeed Abedini. . . . On September 26, Mr. Abedini will have spent a year in detention in Iran. He was sentenced to eight years in prison on charges related to his religious beliefs.
President Rouhani has shared in his speeches and interviews over the past few months his hope and vision to improve the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s relationship with the world.
We urge the Iranian Government to release Mr. Hekmati and Mr. Abedini and to help us locate Mr. Levinson so that they may be reunited with their families as safely and as soon as possible.
These men belong at home with those who love them and miss them.
We welcome this renewed effort on the part of Secretary Kerry and the State Department ahead of the one-year anniversary of Pastor Saeed’s illegal imprisonment.
Secretary Kerry said it exactly right: “These men belong at home with those who love them and miss them.”
Publish Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2013 23:43:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Why There is Still Hope for Pastor Saeed
The news this week that Iran defiantly denied the appeal of American Pastor Saeed Abedini was devastating, but it is not demoralizing. There is still hope.
The fight for this U.S. citizen’s freedom continues. Iran’s actions are unsurprising.
We have seen it time and again from the Iranian regime: the stonewalling, the denials, the attempts to deflect attention away from their own atrocities.
The latest example is the Iranian judiciary’s violation of its own law by refusing to hand down a written order.
Iran is willfully abusing the human rights of a U.S. citizen. The regime is blatantly violating international law and even its own constitution, both of which protect the rights of Christians in Iran to peacefully assemble and practice their faith.
Yet, at the same time, Iran is listening. Over 618,000 people have signed the petition for Pastor Saeed’s freedom at SaveSaeed.org and world leaders including the U.S. Secretary of State have demanded his release. People speaking out and overwhelming international media attention have led to Iran providing some medical care for Pastor Saeed’s internal bleeding – the result of beatings suffered in prison.
Now is not the time to let up. It is time to increase the pressure.
We have seen this same scenario play out before. Last year, another Christian Pastor, Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, was facing execution in Iran for his Christian faith. Iran’s supreme court had denied his appeal and it was feared that the execution order had been given. He had been convicted of apostasy (converting to Christianity) and sentenced to death by hanging for his faith.
The world spoke out in one voice. What started as a few blog posts on the ACLJ’s website grew to hundreds of thousands of voices around the world. Like for Saeed, hundreds of thousands signed petitions, many more took to Twitter in one of the largest coordinated Twitter campaigns in history, and world leaders including the White House demanded his freedom. Then on September 8, 2012, after nearly three excruciating years on what was essentially death row, Pastor Youcef was released.
He was free, in his own words, thanks to “those who obeyed their conscience and fought for the promotion of the justice and the rights of all human beings. Thanks to these efforts, I have now the enormous joy to be by my wonderful wife and my children.”
This is the same fight we continue for Pastor Saeed. We are prayerful and hopeful to achieve a similar result. But it will take a renewed commitment from those around the world who are standing up for human rights, for dignity, for freedom.
We know from Pastor Youcef’s case that the decision for his freedom lay squarely at the top, the leadership of Iran.
It is wholly unsurprising that the Iranian judiciary affirmed Pastor Saeed’s conviction and 8-year sentence.
In the next few days and weeks we will be launching a new effort for Pastor Saeed, a way for you to take direct action, to urge the leaders of Iran to release this innocent man.
Pastor Saeed’s wife Naghmeh is also working to coodinate worldwide prayer vigils Pastor Saeed on September 26th – the one-year anniversary of his illegal imprisonment in Iran. Vigils are being held in nearly every state in American and in numerous locations worldwide. Learn more and find a location near you at SaveSaeed.org.
Continue to pray and never give up hope.
Update: Secretary of State Kerry urges Iran to allow Pastor Saeed to "return" home to his family.
This article is crossposted on RedState.com.
Publish Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2013 18:53:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Iran Delivers "Devastating" Blow to American Pastor Saeed - Rejects Appeal, Affirms 8-Year Prison Sentence
We have just learned that an appeals court in Tehran rejected the appeal of American Pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen, and refused to reduce his 8-year prison sentence. Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, called the decision “devastating” and the ACLJ is now exploring all legal and governmental options available.
“While we remained hopeful that Iran would use its own appeal process to finally show respect for Pastor Saeed's basic human rights, again Iran has demonstrated an utter disregard for the fundamentals of human rights,” said Jordan Sekulow, Executive Director of the ACLJ, which represents Pastor Saeed’s wife and their two children. “We are exploring all options with Pastor Saeed’s family, including options in this country and abroad to bring more pressure on Iran from the U.S. and other countries around the world. The decision is deeply troubling and underscores Iran’s continued violation of principles of freedom of religion, association, peaceful assembly, and expression.”
Sekulow added: “This legal decision also signals a new level of concern for Pastor Saeed’s safety. By keeping the 8-year prison sentence in place, Pastor Saeed, now potentially faces additional beatings and abuse inside Evin Prison – treatment that has significantly weakened him during his first year in prison.”
“The news out of Iran is devastating to our family,” said Naghmeh Abedini. “In the coming days our family will be consulting with legal counsel in Iran to determine the next course of action. The family could appeal the case to the Supreme Court in Tehran or plead for the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, to intervene and pardon Pastor Saeed. From past cases, we know that the decision to release my husband lies solely at the mercy of the Supreme Leader. It is imperative in the coming days, weeks, and months that we remain vigilant to call for Pastor Saeed's release. This includes continuing to put pressure on Iran from the U.S. government and governments around the world.”
Naghmeh Abedini also expressed disappointment in the U.S. government: “ I am disappointed that as a country that was founded on religious freedom, our government has been awkwardly silent as an American citizen is wasting away in an Iranian prison because he chose to practice his God-given right to choose his religion. My husband is serving 8 years in the notorious Evin prison and facing daily threats and abuse by radicals because he refuses to deny his Christian faith. And yet, my President, President Obama, has not spoken a word about him. As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic speech defending freedom by Dr. Martin Luther King, a brave American who gave his life to fight for the freedom that is so fundamental to our way of life, I am extremely disappointed that President Obama has chosen to remain silent on this critical human and religious rights case of an American imprisoned in Iran.”
Naghmeh added: “I do hope and pray that as a nation we realize that if we do not speak out against injustice, it is only matter of time before all our children will have to face what my children are facing today. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’”
The decision to reject Pastor Saeed’s appeal came yesterday from Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals and was handed down by a two-judge panel that refused to provide Pastor Saeed’s Iranian attorney with a written copy of the decision. One of the judges who issued the decision is Judge Ahmad Zargar, who was sanctioned by the European Union for issuing long-term and death sentences for peaceful protestors.
Pastor Saeed, a U.S. citizen, was convicted of threatening the security of Iran because he chose to peacefully gather with other Christian believers. On January 27, 2013, Judge Pir Abassi, a judge presently sanctioned by the European Union for his human rights abuses, found Pastor Saeed's Christian faith and activities tantamount to national security threat, and sentenced him to a prison sentence of eight years.
The ACLJ represents Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, and their two young children who reside in Idaho.
The decision rejecting the appeal of 33-year-old Pastor Saeed comes just one month before the first year anniversary of his imprisonment. There will be prayer vigils in this country and around the world on September 26th – a united effort to call attention to Pastor Saeed’s plight and a very important opportunity to advocate his release. You can learn more about the September 26th prayer vigils at www.SaveSaeed.org.
The ACLJ has been working in this country and abroad to secure his freedom and has heard from nearly 620,000 people demanding his release.
Publish Date: Mon, 26 Aug 2013 15:04:12 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pain Increasing for American Pastor Saeed Abedini
The Iranian family of American Pastor Saeed Abedini was once again able to visit him in Evin prison in Iran. Despite previous threats from Iranian authorities that they would cut off Pastor Saeed’s visitation, he was able to spend some brief time with his family in Iran earlier today.
Unfortunately, we have learned that Pastor Saeed’s internal injuries are causing him increased pain. Pastor Saeed has been suffering from internal bleeding – the results of intense beatings he has sustained in prison for his faith.
Recently, Iranian authorities allowed him to be treated by a doctor at a local hospital. Since that time, he has continued to take the medication he was prescribed. However, his pain has recently increased, to the point that on one occasion he fainted from the immense anguish.
This is a disturbing turn of events. It serves as a renewed reminder of the dangerous conditions Pastor Saeed faces in one of the world’s worst prisons.
Iran must see to it that Pastor Saeed is treated humanely and receives the critical medical attention he so desperately needs. He must be release from this torment for his Christian faith and be allowed to return home to receive medical attention in the United States and more importantly to be reunited with his loving family.
Even as Pastor Saeed suffers, Iran’s brutal crackdown on Christians continues. There are reports that three more Christians were just recently arrested without charge in Iran. Reportedly, they have been beaten, one to the point of being hospitalized. Another was recently convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison (by the same notorious judge who convicted and sentenced Saeed) for, among other things, membership in an “anti-security organization," i.e. a Christian church. Court documents obtained by an Iranian Christian media source show that he had previously been found guilty of “apostasy” (converting to Christianity).
It is vitally important that we highlight these situations. Pastor Saeed is the face of Christian persecution in Iran, but he is far from the only one. The ACLJ is preparing to launch new initiatives to highlight the persecuted church around the world and the work to expose their human rights abusers and shine light into the darkest corners of the globe.
We will continue to bring you updates on Pastor Saeed’s and these new efforts.
Please continue to pray for Pastor Saeed’s freedom, share his story and how your friends can take action at SaveSaeed.org, and learn more about the upcoming prayer vigils being sponsored around the globe on September 26th.
Publish Date: Mon, 12 Aug 2013 21:09:12 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Billy Graham and Franklin Graham Highlight Pastor Saeed’s Case and Worldwide Prayer Vigil
Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine recently highlighted Pastor Saeed’s plight. Franklin Graham, president and CEO of both Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, also issued a call to prayer for Pastor Saeed, highlighted the effort for his freedom at SaveSaeed.org, and urged supporters to join a worldwide prayer vigil being organized for the one-year anniversary of Pastor Saeed’s imprisonment.
Decision Magazine explained:
In Ward 350, Saeed Abedini is kept with 30-40 other prisoners, twice the legal limit. When he sleeps at night, the arms and legs of his fellow inmates are draped around him.
On several occasions, Saeed has been beaten by guards, resulting in internal bleeding. The psychological harassment is unending. Twice—once last fall and again in May—Saeed was moved into solitary confinement. The first confinement lasted four weeks, the second for 10 days.
His offense, according to the Iranian government and court system that arrested him and sentenced him to eight years, was “endangering national security.”
But the real reason Saeed approaches his first anniversary of imprisonment is because of his faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior who found him in his Tehran bedroom more than a decade ago.
Franklin Graham stated in his call to prayer:
Religious intolerance continues to threaten the lives of Christians in Iran—even when those Christians are Americans. . . . I recently spoke with Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh. She shared how frightening it is to hear reports from family in Iran that her husband is being beaten and tortured. Naghmeh worries that she and her two young children may never see Saeed again.
He went on to explain the frustration expressed by Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, at the often unresponsiveness of our own government to this U.S. citizen, whose only “crime” is his faith in Christ.
She’s also discouraged by the fact that our own government seems to have abandoned them. President Obama has been silent on the issue as an American Christian endures the horrors of Evin Prison.
I’m thankful that Secretary of State John Kerry finally called for Pastor Saeed’s release six months after his arrest. Sadly, since then our government appears to have done little to pressure Iran to release a fellow American citizen.
As the one-year anniversary of Pastor Saeed’s wrongful imprisonment nears, we are ramping up efforts to raise awareness about his case and pressure Iran for his release.
Franklin Graham and many others are joining in on this effort. As he explained, “Sept. 26 marks the one-year anniversary of Pastor Saeed’s imprisonment. Please join me in praying for Pastor Saeed and his family. I also encourage churches and people everywhere to join the hundreds of thousands of others who are showing solidarity with this courageous man of faith at SaveSaeed.org.”
Prayer vigils are being organized at state and national capitals all over the world. You can learn more information about time and location in dozens of cities at SaveSaeed.org/VIGIL.
We will continue to bring you more information about Pastor Saeed, our efforts for his freedom, and the latest information about the prayer vigil for the one-year anniversary of his imprisonment.
Please continue to pray and share his story today. We are Pastor Saeed’s voice.
Publish Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2013 18:31:33 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+300th day in Prison for Pastor Saeed
It has been one year since the initial detainment of American Pastor Saeed Abedini. This is a recap of the events since that initial arrest. Help us keep pressure on the Iranian Government by continuing to share this story and keep Saeed in the news.
Publish Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 16:09:43 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+American Pastor Saeed: 300 Illegal Days in an Iranian Prison
Today is the 300th day of American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s illegal imprisonment in Iran – 300 days away from his wife and kids, 300 days of torment for his Christian faith, 300 days and counting.
Nearly a year ago, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard raided the home of Pastor Saeed’s parents in Tehran and imprisoned him solely on the basis of his faith. On account of that same faith, he faced a bogus trial and was convicted and sentenced to a lengthy prison term in Iran’s brutal Evin Prison. He has been subjected to beatings and harassment which have caused internal injuries necessitating medical treatment.
Suffering from an internal injury in his stomach, Pastor Saeed has been in need of medical attention for quite some time. On July 20, 2013, he was taken to a private hospital in Tehran for treatment and, for the first time, he was examined by a physician and prescribed medication for injuries he sustained from the beatings he endured by prison guards.
On two past occasions, the 33-year-old Pastor Saeed has been taken to the local hospital only to be sent home without examination of or treatment for his injuries. This time, authorities proved that they have heard the international outcry for medical attention.
Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh Abedini, responded to this positive step:
Thank you to all of the individuals who have prayed, written letters, signed petitions, called government officials, run benefit races, tweeted, and shared Saeed’s story. Thank you to all the government officials from around the world who have stood for my husband. Iran has listened to your pleas. While I am encouraged that Saeed is finally getting medical care, the fight is not yet over. It has been a difficult 300 days – 300 days of torment simply because Saeed loves Jesus Christ. I am hopeful Iran will do the just and honorable thing and release Saeed.
We are pleased that Iranian authorities have taken this important step to see that Pastor Saeed is no longer denied access to necessary medical treatment. It is our hope that the Iranian regime will take additional steps to correct their wrongdoings by giving his case a fair and impartial review in the court of appeals, where his case is currently pending. A fair and impartial review must result in a decision that continuing to hold Pastor Saeed is a grave violation of Iran’s Constitution and its international obligations.
While Pastor Saeed has received medical treatment, he continues to pay a price for his Christian faith daily through his illegal imprisonment. We hope that this recent update out of Tehran indicates that Pastor Saeed – a U.S. citizen – will receive just treatment in the coming days and weeks. Most importantly, we hope to see Iranian officials release him so he can return to the United States where he can make a full recovery in his family’s care.
We continue to work in this country and in the international community to secure Pastor Saeed’s freedom. And more than 600,000 people around the world now stand in solidarity with Pastor Saeed at SaveSaeed.org.
Publish Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 15:59:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pain, Uncertainty With My Husband Still Imprisoned in Iran
I would have never imagined that I would spend my ninth wedding anniversary – coming up on June 30th – alone, with my husband in captivity in Iran for his faith.
Nor could I have imagined that when Saeed and I said our vows for better or worse, just how those vows would be tested as I waited and prayed for my husband’s return to our family one year later.
On June 22, 2012, as I had so many times before, I kissed my husband goodbye in the early hours of the morning for what was intended to be a short trip to Iran to obtain the final approval from the Iranian government on a non-sectarian orphanage. . . .
Continue reading this article written by Naghmeh Abedini on Fox News.
Publish Date: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed in Good Spirits as Medical Condition Improves, Threats Increase
The family of wrongfully imprisoned American Pastor Saeed Abedini – a U.S. citizen – was able to visit him in Evin Prison earlier this week. He was in good spirits.
Pastor Saeed told his family in Iran that the most severe symptoms he had experienced, as a result of beatings and torment sustained in prison, appear to have waned. However, he is still experiencing severe pain in his abdomen such that he requested medical attention. The Iranian regime continues to refuse such medical treatment.
Iran’s willful denial of his basic medical care is a reflection of its inhuman treatment of prisoners of conscience.
Pastor Saeed also reported that since Iran’s presidential election last week Iranian prison guards and other officials have threatened to move him to a prison in a more remote area of Southern Iran. Such a move would make it nearly impossible for his family to visit him any longer. It would also tear him away from friendships he has developed with fellow prisoners of conscience.
While these are likely vain threats made in an attempt to break his spirit, they reiterate the daily difficulties that Pastor Saeed faces – not only the fact that he is imprisoned but the psychological torment he endures at the hands of his captors.
Yet, even such, the modest improvements in his medical condition and good spirits is evidence that the “prayers of many” are being answered.
Continue to pray for Pastor Saeed, his medical condition, and his freedom. Share his story at SaveSaeed.com. We will continue to bring you updates on his condition and our efforts for his release.
Publish Date: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:25:17 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+U.S. Senators and Other World Leaders “Adopt” Pastor Saeed’s Cause for Freedom in Iran
U.S. Senators and other world leaders are speaking out this week on behalf of Pastor Saeed Abedini, a 33-year-old U.S. citizen imprisoned an abused in Iran for his religious beliefs.
Senator James Risch (ID) – one of Pastor Saeed’s Senators – recorded a message to be sent directly into the heart of Iran through Voice of America highlighting the human rights abuses against the persecuted pastor.
Senator Mark Kirk (IL) has joined with Canadian Member of Parliament Irwin Colter to highlight the plight of dissidents and prisoners of conscience in Iran, including Pastor Saeed, ahead of today’s presidential election in Iran.
Sen. Kirk and MP Colter write in the Jerusalem Post:
[W]e have launched the Iranian Political Prisoners Global Advocacy Project, where parliamentarians “adopt” Iranian political prisoners and advocate on their behalf. While the Iranian government seeks to silence dissenters, we are determined to make their voices heard. Each victim of repression must be recognized as a real person enduring mental and often physical anguish in a society where human rights and democracy itself have been imprisoned.
They discussed the plight of the Iranian Baha’i community, attorney’s who defend human rights, and Pastor Saeed.
Of Pastor Saeed, this collaboration of political leaders state:
During a visit to Iran last September to see his family and build an orphanage in the city of Rasht, he was arrested for undermining national security through Christian evangelical activities and sentenced to eight years in prison. He has been denied medical treatment for several serious health problems – including internal bleeding due to abuse in prison.
Earlier this month, Abedini was placed in solitary confinement for one week where he spent his 33rd birthday. While he was in what the American Center for Law and Justice has called “a small, dark hole,” more than 50,000 birthday messages were sent to his prison. Pastor Saeed has a wife and two young children.
To secure the release of these and other human rights heroes, Iranian political prisoners must become household names, and their cause must become our cause.
As they aptly conclude, “telling their stories is the very least we can do.”
They are exactly right. To make Pastor Saeed a household name the world over is precisely how we at the ACLJ have been publicly fighting for Pastor Saeed’s freedom, along with our work with world leaders, to pressure Iran for his release.
Well over 600,000 people have signed the petition at SaveSaeed.org to demand his freedom and share his story. This work will continue, and as world leaders and private citizens alike share his story, as they did yesterday in front of Iranian embassies worldwide, it truly has an impact.
Publish Date: Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:51:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed’s Case Taken Directly to Iranian Officials with Peaceful Demonstrations Worldwide
Over the last several hours, citizens from dozens of nations have taken a stand in solidarity with Pastor Saeed Abedini – a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Iran – and other Iranians who have been imprisoned for their faith.
In the United States, I joined concerned citizens as they gathered in front of the Iranian Interest Section, hosted by Pakistani embassy in Washington D.C., today at noon to demonstrate their support for Pastor Saeed. Ever since the United States cut off diplomatic relations with Iran, the Pakistani embassy has served as the political intersection between our two governments. Today, the embassy served as a place to publically remember Pastor Saeed’s wrongful imprisonment.
Rev. Pat Mahoney led the group of 20-25 people in a fervent prayer for Pastor Saeed, calling on God to heal his physical injuries, provide for his family’s needs, and make a way for him to be released.
Attendees held up signs saying “release Pastor Saeed” as they stood in quiet support of religious freedom for all. Messages were drawn on the sidewalk with chalk, reminding passers-by that Pastor Saeed is “in prison for his faith” and calling on Iran to release him.
In addition to this event, there were peaceful demonstrations for Pastor Saeed and other prisoners of conscience conducted through out the world including Hungary, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, South Korea, and other nations.
We have already received a report from Budapest, Hungary that 40-50 people peacefully protested in front of the Iranian embassy. They prayed, waved signs, and shared Pastor Saeed’s story.
These events have been a tremendous success and take Pastor Saeed’s case directly to Iranian officials. Iran now knows the world is watching, demanding Saeed’s freedom and the end of human rights abuses.
To stand with those who gathered in front of the Iranian embassies, consulates, and protectorates around the world today, please pray for Pastor Saeed and all the others who are in prison for the peaceful exercise of their faith. We also encourage you to tweet the hashtag #SaveSaeed and write letters to Saeed or to Iranian leaders.
* Cassie Carsrud, who also attended this demonstration, contributed to this piece.
Publish Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2013 22:20:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+A Day of Prayer & Peaceful Association For Pastor Saeed at Iranian Embassies Worldwide
As efforts continue to raise Pastor Saeed Abedini’s case at the United Nations and with world leaders to increase pressure on Iran to release the persecuted pastor, there is a new groundswell of grassroots support around the world.
The people, the citizens of the world, are raising up, decrying Iran’s human rights abuses, and demanding that Iran immediately release the 33-year-old U.S. citizen.
Tomorrow, June 13, 2013, an effort is being organized to peacefully demonstrate and assemble in front of Iranian embassies, consulates, and protectorates around the world. Entitled “Standing together for Human Rights in Iran” the event, scheduled to be held at noon worldwide, aims to not only highlight Pastor Saeed’s plight but also highlight the larger issue of human rights violations in Iran.
The fact is the state of human rights, or more aptly the lack thereof, in Iran is abysmal. People all over the world are taking a stand. In fact, we have received over 600,000 signatures demanding Pastor Saeed’s release from individuals all across the globe at SaveSaeed.org.
Here in Washington, D.C. people will be gathering tomorrow at the Iranian Interests Section to peacefully assemble and highlight Pastor Saeed’s deplorable plight. You can learn more about the event here.
Similar events are planned in front of Iran’s embassies in Hungary, Egypt, Sweden, Germany, and other nations.
The timing of these events aimed at highlighting human rights and Pastor Saeed’s case directly to Iranian officials comes as Iran prepares for its own elections next week. It sends a powerful message at a time when Iran is listening.
As we have repeatedly said, Pastor Saeed is not the only person suffering as a prisoner of conscience in Iran; he is the face of persecution and Iran’s blatant violation of human rights.
You can learn more about the efforts, organized by Pastor Saeed’s wife Naghmeh, here.
At noon tomorrow, we urge you to join this effort, assemble, pray, and tweet with the hashtag #SaveSaeed. It is time that the world hears the voice of the voiceless – that Iran hears the cry for freedom, human rights, and human dignity.
Publish Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 20:55:26 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Senator Risch Sends a Message Into Iran for Pastor Saeed
U.S. Senator James Risch (ID), Pastor Saeed Abedini’s Senator, has a message for the people of Iran. He recorded a message (above) to be sent into Iran through Voice of America ahead next week’s elections, sent directly to the people of Iran.
He told them about Pastor Saeed and how he is being wrongly imprisoned in the brutal Evin prison merely because of his religious beliefs – because he is a Christian. He urged the people of Iran to stand up for freedom, for human rights, for Pastor Saeed.
The 33-year-old pastor – a U.S. citizen – continues to languish in an Iranian prison, now for nearly 260 days. He is separated from his wife Naghmeh who just raised his case before the United Nations on behalf of their two young children. He continues to suffer from internal bleeding inflicted by beatings he has received in prison.
Now, taking Pastor Saeed’s case directly to the people of Iran is a critical step in the fight for his freedom. Senator Risch has been a powerful voice in the Senate, calling for his freedom and continuing to pressure the U.S. State Department to “make every effort” to secure Pastor Saeed’s freedom.
We will continue fighting – along with the over 600,000 of you who have signed the petition at SaveSaeed.org – for Pastor Saeed’s release. Please continue to pray, and we will keep you updated on the battle for this persecuted pastor’s life.
Publish Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 21:26:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Naghmeh Abedini at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva
Pastor Saeed's wife spoke at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva pleading his case.
Publish Date: Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:03:15 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Jordan Sekulow Raises Pastor Saeed's Case & Religious Freedom at UN
Jordan Sekulow, Executive Director of the ACLJ, raised American Pastor Saeed Abedini's case before the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council, urging nations of the world to stand up for religious freedom.
Publish Date: Tue, 04 Jun 2013 09:01:33 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Serving as a Voice at the UN for My Imprisoned Husband Saeed Abedini
For nearly a year, the Iranian government has tried to silence my husband, Saeed Abedini, through illegal imprisonment, torture, and threats against our family.
My husband, a U.S. citizen and loving father of our two young children, has been held in Iran's brutal Evin Prison because of his faith -- without a voice to fight for his freedom.
I must, therefore, be his voice.
In light of his failing health due to repeated beatings by his captors and their refusal to give him necessary medical care, I cannot sit idly by – time is running out. . . .
Continue reading this article written by Naghmeh Abedini on FoxNews.com
Publish Date: Mon, 03 Jun 2013 20:59:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Watch Pastor Saeed's Wife, Naghmeh, Speak to UN Live
UPDATE: 2:30 pm Eastern:
Today's session at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneval concluded before all of the scheduled speakers for today had an opportunity to provide testimony. Pastor Saeed's wife, Naghmeh, who was scheduled to speak today, will now present her testimony tomorrow before the Council.
For Tuesday’s presentation, individuals can watch the live stream of the 23rd Plenary Session of the Human Rights Council between the hours of 9:00a.m. and 5:00p.m. (GMT) at this U.N. site here.
Publish Date: Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:47:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Presenting Saeed’s Case with His Wife Naghmeh Before the UN on Behalf of 600,000 Strong
Today, I had the opportunity to personally raise Pastor Saeed’s case before the United Nation’s Human Rights Council. Seated beside me was Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh.
As I told the Council, she represents the face of how Iran’s persecution of Christians truly has a worldwide impact. I implored the nations represented on the Human Rights Council to stand up for the most basic of human rights – the right to peaceably assemble in exercise of one’s religious beliefs – and urge Iran to release Pastor Saeed Abedini.
The 33-year-old U.S. citizen and father of two languishes in an Iranian prison merely because of his religious beliefs, suffering from internal bleeding. Today, was the best opportunity we have had to date to raise his case.
Also today, the international effort to #SaveSaeed reached another tremendous milestone. Over 600,000 people from all over the world have now signed the petition for his freedom at SaveSaeed.org.
After a week of productive meetings with foreign and U.S. diplomats concerning Pastor Saeed’s case, we expect to once again have an opportunity to raise his case before the U.N. on Monday.
Monday, I will once again return to the UN Human Rights Council to deliver remarks on the importance of protecting freedom of expression, once more highlighting Saeed Abedini's illegal imprisonment by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Naghmeh will also deliver remarks to the UN Human Rights Council about the importance of defending those, who like her husband Saeed, are persecuted for their faith. Naghmeh will urge UN member states to take more action on behalf of her husband.
For Monday’s presentation, individuals can watch the live stream of the 23rd Plenary Session of the Human Rights Council between the hours of 9:00a.m. and 5:00p.m. (GMT) at http://webtv.un.org. The ACLJ and its European affiliate (The European Centre for Law & Justice) filed a written submission before the Human Rights Council.
The video of our presentation today is available above and here, and my prepared remarks, as prepared, are posted here. We will continue to keep you updated as the fight for this persecuted pastor’s life continues.
Publish Date: Fri, 31 May 2013 19:37:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed From Iranian Prison: Thanks for “Praying and Fighting for my Freedom”
American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s family in Terhan was able to visit him again earlier this week.
Pastor Saeed was able to get a new letter out this week to his wife Naghmeh. He sent her this letter to be shared with supporters who gathered recently, on the Christian day of Pentecost, to pray for him.
He shared that despite what he has to endure on a daily basis – the beatings and internal bleeding – he has hope. The 33-year-old U.S. citizen wrote, “I will also be freed from my chains through prayer and strength of the Grace of God.”
His full letter to supporters is below.
Spending Pentecost in Prison and in Chains
When the Day of the Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:1-2)
One special day, one heart, one place -- All of these come together, to emphasize one thing, the importance of unity.
I heard that the persecution, my arrest and imprisonment has united churches from different denominations, from different cities and countries, that would never come together because of their differences. That the churches have united together in prayer to put one request (my freedom) on one day (Pentecost) before God.
You don’t know how happy I was in the Lord and rejoiced knowing that in my chains the body of Christ has chained together and is brought to action and prayer.
When someone’s life like mine is in danger, we realize how different we are in our opinions (although some of those differences might be correct), but that we are still united in one goal of praying for my freedom.
I am thankful for that. It is though your prayers and the Grace of God that the Lord is using me here in my chains. Many have been freed from the chains of Satan here and have been saved and added to the Church.
Now, how beautiful it will be if the Church would be united and fight for the salvation of the world whose life is in danger and who are bound in chains of Satan and to fight for the salvation of the world, a world that is heading to the way of destruction. With the same passion and the same way that you are praying and fighting for my freedom, we need to be praying and fighting for the salvation of the world.
When the Church is united (with one heart, in one place, on one day) that is when the joy and strength of God (Holy Spirit) wants to come in that unity and pour out and the Lord be exalted. Although this unity is the result of direct involvement of the Holy Spirit that is able to bring many different characteristics to make one.
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me (Acts 1:8).
And only when the Holy Spirit comes can you get strength. Without the strength of God it is impossible to do the will of God. And when we receive strength, then we can be transformed. And when we are transformed, that is when the Church is transformed as well. And when the Church is transformed, then the world will be freed from the chains of sin and will be saved and transformed. When we are all united and chained together, united in our hearts, in one place in one day, and we pray, then we will receive the power from on High and will receive strength and the world will be changed and will be freed from the chains of bondage and will be saved. The same way that I will also be freed from my chains though prayer and strength of the Grace of God.
So dear sisters and brothers let us be united in prayer for freedom and salvation of the world. Let us be united so that the Holy Spirit might fall on us and the Glory of God would be revealed through us and through the church.
Welcome to the chains that have bound me and have bound us together. Happy Pentecost.
God Said and it was. Chains were broken. Our sins were forgiven I am free You are free We all have freedom
With many thanks for your continued and faithful prayers.
Servant of our Lord in chains for Jesus Christ, Saeed
Please continue to pray and share Pastor Saeed’s latest letter. Please also continue to sign and share the petition to #SaveSaeed at SaveSaeed.org.
Publish Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 22:23:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed’s Senator Urges The State Department to “Make Every Effort” to Secure His Freedom
Recently, Senator James Risch (ID) urged Under-Secretary of State Wendy Sherman to “make every effort you possibly can to secure” the freedom of American Pastor Saeed Abedini, his constituent.
The exchange above occurred in a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee earlier this week. The State Department again pledged its ongoing efforts to secure his freedom.
Under-Secretary Sherman’s words are an important reminder of the impact we can all have in securing Pastor Saeed’s freedom. She stated:
When we keep asking, we at least put a spotlight on the treatment that is being given to prisoners and hopefully lessen the horrible situation under which they are held. But we will not stop for Mr. Abedini [and other Americans imprisoned in Iran] until they can be returned to their families.
Senator Risch reiterated this crucial point, stating, “By spotlighting this, that does a tremendous amount of good in the world court of public opinion.”
This is exactly right. Over half a million people from all over the world have spotlighted the plight of this 33-year-old U.S. citizen by signing a petition for his freedom at SaveSaeed.org. More than 50,000 have written letters to Pastor Saeed. We know that the world outcry effectively urged Iran to release Pastor Saeed from solitary confinement early. The spotlight is on Iran. The world is watching, and it his having a tremendous impact.
Please continue to pray and share his story.
Publish Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 20:17:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Public Outcry Over Saeed’s Case Making a Difference
American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s family was able to see him today during a prison authorized visitation, once again confirming that Pastor Saeed – a U.S. citizen – was indeed released from solitary confinement and returned to the general political prison population.
Despite his suffering, Pastor Saeed’s faith continues to keep him alive. Other prisoners reportedly told Saeed’s family that when Pastor Saeed was released from solitary confinement, “he was glowing,” and that miraculously he “was filled with more joy and peace after solitary” than he was before solitary.
Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, attributes Pastor Saeed’s spirits to the thousands of people around the world praying for her husband.
We have heard reports that numerous prisoners and their families are appreciative of the international outcry regarding Pastor Saeed because it is having a significant impact for many prisoners of conscience in Iran.
The hundreds of thousands of people around the world who are standing up, demanding Pastor Saeed’s freedom, are having a tremendous impact in Iran. It is critical that the pressure continue to be brought to bear on Iran.
Pastor Saeed, who turned 33 last week, continues to suffer from untreated internal bleeding – the result of beatings he received in prison. It is critical that everyone’s voice be heard today.
Join the hundreds of thousands of people worldwide who have signed the petition and written Pastor Saeed letters at SaveSaeed.org. Have your voice heard. It is working.
Publish Date: Mon, 13 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+American Pastor Saeed Released from Solitary Confinement, Returned to General Prison Population
After more than a week, including his 33rd birthday, spent in the “small dark hole” of solitary confinement, American Pastor Saeed Abedini has once again been returned to the main prison population in Ward 350 of Evin Prison.
Our sources in Iran have confirmed that Iranian authorities returned Pastor Saeed to his cell in Ward 350 yesterday.
This is a critical development and does raise hope after a very discouraging week. It was believed that Pastor Saeed may have faced 20 days or more in solitary confinement. Pastor Saeed described the first time he spent in solitary confinement, some 200 days ago when he was first imprisoned for his Christian faith, as some of the worst days he has ever faced. Days felt like years he said.
The severity of his medical condition remains a concern as he began complaining of symptoms of kidney issues before he was placed in solitary confinement.
Pastor Saeed, a U.S. citizen, had been confined to solitary since April 29th along with nine other prisoners in a retaliatory response to fellow prisoners’ protest of Iran’s lack of medical care for Pastor Saeed and others.
It is unknown how many of the 10 prisoners that were placed in solitary confinement have been returned to the political prisoner ward of Evin.
We are hopeful that Pastor Saeed’s early return to the general population of Ward 350 is a sign that international pressure on Iran is beginning to have an effect.
Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, responded:
His release from solitary is a direct result of the multitudes praying. I am relieved my husband is out of solitary, but still am deeply concerned about Saeed's health. While this is a small victory, I am still demanding justice be done and that Saeed be released.
More than 575,000 people from all across the world have signed a petition for his release. International media, world leaders, and governments including the European Union and United Nations have raised his case. Now, over 50,000 people have written him letters at SaveSaeed.org.
All of this has led to unparalleled pressure on the Iranian regime. The more pressure is placed on Iran – the more Iran is put on notice that the world is watching its unconscionable human rights abuses – the regime is forced to take action.
We will keep you updated with new information as we are able.
Publish Date: Thu, 09 May 2013 15:34:21 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed’s Birthday in Chains for Christ
It’s the worst birthday imaginable. Not only is American Pastor Saeed Abedini imprisoned in one of Iran’s harshest prisons for his religious beliefs, he is spending his 33rd birthday in solitary confinement.
Today, May 7th is Pastor Saeed’s birthday, and he is “celebrating” what should be a festive occasion, not with his wife and kids, but in the dark confines of what his wife Naghmeh describes as “a small dark whole.”
For 223 days, Pastor Saeed – a U.S. citizen – has had to face the harsh reality of one of the most oppressive and deadly places on earth, Evin Prison. He has undergone beatings, physical and mental torture, and unending persecution all because of his Christian faith.
Yesterday, the day before his birthday, Pastor Saeed’s father was again turned away by prison officials, denied the ability to see his son. There are new fears that Pastor Saeed’s health – he has for months suffered untreated internal bleeding from beatings he sustained in prison – is worsening.
Yet, through all of the abuse and torment he has endured at the hands of his Iranian captors, he remains resilient in his faith. He concluded, his last letter – his last communication with the outside world: “Pastor Saeed Abedini, the servant and slave of Jesus Christ in chains, with a lot of joy to see you soon.” His faith is keeping him alive.
Naghmeh, Pastor Saeed’s wife – though she cannot see or speak to her husband – wrote him an emotional and compelling birthday message this week:
My dearest friend and soul mate Saeed,
As you turn 33 today, I am reminded of the previous years that we have celebrated this very special day together. Our house was always so full of joy and laughter as we rejoiced the day that you were born.
Yet today, there is a deep piercing pain in my heart knowing that you will spend your birthday in solitary confinement, constrained to a small room, not knowing when it is day or night. Under constant torture and abuse by radicals who are trying to break you and have you deny your faith in Jesus.
With tightness in my throat, pain in my heart, and tears streaming down my face...so very weak, I promise to stand strong in the strength of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ fighting with every strength of my being until you are united to our family again.
I will be a voice, where you are being silenced. I will be hands and feet where you are being bound and in chains. That the whole world would know, that the whole world would hear that Jesus is Lord.
We are so proud of you. Hang in there. Hold on tight to Jesus. You have many brothers and sisters praying for you and standing with you.
Love Naghmeh
Thousands of others have also engaged in a letter writing campaign for Pastor Saeed’s birthday. To date, 52,501 letters have been written to Pastor Saeed at SaveSaeed.org. These letters show the impact that Pastor Saeed’s case is having in people’s lives. One letter reads, “Your Message of forgiveness is an amazing Testimony and actually helped us realize there was some one in our life we needed to forgive, thank you.”
We are in the process of literally printing out and delivering each one of these more than 50,000 letters to Evin Prison. If you have not already done so, write Pastor Saeed a letter of hope and encouragement today. Let him know he is not forgotten. Let the Iranian officials know that no one should be imprisoned because of their religious beliefs.
Though his spends his birthday in the confines of a lonely, dark prison cell, he should know that hundreds of thousands of people all over the world are standing by his side, praying for him, and demanding Iran cease its human rights abuse and release him so he can be reunited with his his family.
Publish Date: Tue, 07 May 2013 13:15:43 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Pastor Saeed’s Wife “Disappointed” with Lack of Support from U.S. Government as Saeed Thrown in Solitary Confinement
American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s wife, Naghmeh, is speaking out about being severely disappointed in the U.S. government’s lack of reaction to Iran’s escalation of its human rights abuses against her husband, a U.S. citizen.
Iranian authorities have recently thrown Pastor Saeed into solitary confinement. It is the second time he has been held in solitary confinement in Evin Prison, the first occurring immediately following his arrest. Based on his first time in solitary confinement, Pastor Saeed told family members that days felt like years. His health continues to worsen, with new reports he is now experiencing kidney problems in addition to internal bleeding that has gone untreated for months
Naghmeh recently appeared on Fox News to discuss the latest developments in her husband’s fate.
“I can’t image one more day in that. From what I heard from him, solitary is horrific,” she explained. She continued, “It’s a small dark hole.”
While Iran has escalated their abuse, Naghmeh is concerned that our own government is still not fully engaging. She lamented:
I am really disappointed in the way our government has handled this. I really expect our President to step it up. . . .
We try to protect U.S. citizens here who have committed horrific crimes against our government. We protect their rights. What about the rights of a U.S. citizen inside of Iran who is going through this because of his religious belief? . . .
Even with Secretary Kerry speaking out, we had to fight for that for eight months. . . .
If Fox News and ACLJ were not continually bringing this to light, it would be forgotten.
Watch the entire interview above and take action for Pastor Saeed. Write him a letter of encouragement and hope at SaveSaeed.org.
Publish Date: Wed, 01 May 2013 19:46:43 GMT
Keyword: Saeed
+Jordan Sekulow on Fox News: Pastor Saeed Facing Intense Abuse
Jordan Sekulow and Naghmeh, Pastor Saeed's wife, discuss Saeed's current state in Iran's Evin prison on Fox News. Write Pastor Saeed a letter and sign the petition today.
Publish Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:13:25 GMT
Keyword: Saeed