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The Be Heard Project is a voice for the persecuted Church. Through law, public policy, and grassroots action, we amplify your voice to demand that world governments respect the most basic human rights and human dignity of persecuted believers. Join with us today and Be Heard.

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Confronting Religious Persecution at the IRF Summit

Feb. 10Stories That Demand Action:

Last week I spoke on a panel at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Washington, D.C.—a global gathering that brings together advocates, policymakers, and legal experts from around the world who are on the front lines of defending religious freedom. The Summit provides a rare forum to share firsthand experiences, expose ongoing...More

As Iran’s Christian Persecution Escalates, ACLJ Takes Urgent Action...

Feb. 04As Iran’s Christian Persecution...

Why Somalia Is One of the Most Dangerous Places for Christians

Feb. 02Marked for Death: Why Somalia Is...

The Fate of the Kurds Is Critical to Syria’s Future

Jan. 30The Fate of the Kurds Is Critical...

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Active Cases

Save Christians From Murder in Congo

Save Christians From Murder in...

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has once again become the site of unspeakable violence , with Christian communities being targeted by terrorists and militant forces. On February 15, over 70 Christians – primarily women, children, and the elderly – were added to the list of victims when they were abducted...More

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Save Christian Pastor Raymond Koh

Save Christian Pastor Raymond Koh

Free the Israeli Hostages from Hamas

Free the Israeli Hostages from...

Save Ahsan Masih

Save Ahsan Masih

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Engage in our advocacy by signing petitions and support these men and women daily through prayer.

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Saeed Abedini

Iran Deal Update: Senate to Focus on Securing Release of Imprisoned Americans – including Pastor Saeed

ACLJ Staff Writers

September 16th, 2015

As the bad Iran deal gets ever closer to finalization and implementation, the U.S. Senate is working to do everything it can to save American Pastor Saeed Abedini and the other wrongfully imprisoned Americans in Iran.

While the Senate has previously voted to save Pastor Saeed, he remains in one of the world’s most dangerous prisons, separated from his wife and young children, and tormented instead of given the vital medical help he needs.

Naghmeh’s latest heartbreaking update about her husband’s condition as he remains in chains for Christ reminds us of the importance of our international advocacy for his freedom.

And now, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans to bring yet another vital vote on Thursday for Pastor Saeed up on the floor of the Senate.

The Hill has more details:

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) plans to force Democrats to walk the line on the Iran nuclear agreement, teeing up a vote on a contentious amendment on the deal. 

The Republican leader scheduled a procedural vote on an amendment that would block President Obama from lifting sanctions against Iran under the nuclear deal until Iran publicly supports Israel and releases Americans currently held in Iranian prisons. . . .

The Kentucky Republican warned Democrats ahead of Tuesday's vote that if they blocked the resolution [of disapproval of the Iran deal] that he would file his amendment, saying that "my strong preference is for Democrats to simply allow an up-or-down vote on the president’s Iran deal." 

"But if they’re determined to make that impossible, then at the very least we should be able to provide some protection to Israel and long-overdue relief to Americans who’ve languished in Iranian custody for years," he added. 

A minority of Senators has filibustered the bill formally disapproving of the Iran nuclear deal twice now refusing to even give the measure an up-or-down vote

Protecting Israel and securing the freedom of our fellow Americans wrongfully imprisoned in Iran against international human rights norms should be something every U.S. Senator can agree on.

We  continue our multi-pronged work to save Pastor Saeed, a U.S. citizen who has been imprisoned for nearly three years

Over 260,000 of your letters to Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon are on their way to the United Nations requesting international pressure on Iran to adhere to international human rights laws and free Pastor Saeed.  This week, Naghmeh Abedini pleads with members of Parliaments from around the world on behalf of her husband.

And now, we continue to mobilize our offices on Capitol Hill to urge Congress to perform its constitutional duty and do whatever it takes to ensure Pastor Saeed is returned home to the U.S. and reunited with his family.

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As Iran’s Christian Persecution Escalates, ACLJ Takes Urgent Action...

ACLJ Staff Writers  //

Feb 04, 2026

Iran’s brutality is on full display as more than 36,500 Iranians are feared dead, indiscriminately gunned down in the streets, as the regime wages war on its own citizens. As its people cry out for freedom,

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Iran Is No Longer Pretending: Its Brutality Is in the Open

ACLJ Staff Writers  //

Jan 16, 2026

Iran is no longer pretending. Its brutality is on full display as over 12,000 freedom-loving Iranians have been gunned down in the streets. But Iran’s vile attacks on its own citizens have been most felt by...

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ACLJ Files Urgent UPR at U.N. Human Rights Council Urging...

Article  //

Aug 27, 2024

Iran is the number one state sponsor of terrorism around the world. It sponsors deadly terrorist attacks around the world, including the horrific October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. But Iran is not just...

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American Center for Law and Justice | Washington D.C. | Copyright © 2026, ACLJ | Privacy & Security Policy | Annual Report

Be Heard Project is a project of the American Center for Law and Justice. American Center for Law and Justice is a d/b/a for Christian Advocates Serving Evangelism, Inc., a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, religious corporation as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, specifically dedicated to the ideal that religious freedom and freedom of speech are inalienable, God-given rights. The Center's purpose is to engage legal, legislative and cultural issues by implementing an effective strategy of advocacy, education and litigation to ensure that those rights are protected under the law. The organization has participated in numerous cases before the Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeals, Federal District Courts, and various state courts regarding freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Your gift is very much appreciated and fully deductible as a charitable contribution. A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained by writing to us at P.O. Box 90555, Washington, DC 20090-0555.