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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

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Saeed Abedini

On September 26, 2012, American Pastor Saeed Abedini was thrown into an Iranian prison for one reason only – his Christian faith.

Saturday marks the three-year anniversary of Pastor Saeed’s wrongful imprisonment. For three years, Pastor Saeed has been in chains for Christ. For three years, his wife and children have cried themselves to sleep and prayed for their husband and father’s return.

Days before this third anniversary, Pastor Saeed was threatened with new bogus charges that could extend his prison time while being repeatedly shocked with a taser gun.

The fight for justice for Pastor Saeed has never been more urgent.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued a complete statement from Chairman Robert George on Pastor Saeed’s imprisonment and Iran’s severe human rights violations.

“The Iranian government’s continued imprisonment of Pastor Abedini is a gross violation of the internationally-protected right to freedom of religion or belief. The Iranian government actively suppresses any religious belief and activity it disapproves of and denies any semblance of rule of law that meets international standards. USCIRF calls on the Iranian government to ensure Pastor Abedini’s safety and immediately and unconditionally release him. USCIRF also calls on the United States and the international community to raise Pastor Abedini’s case in all international fora, and for the U.S. government to freeze the assets and entry into the U.S. of all Iranian officials responsible for serious violations of religious freedom and related human rights against Pastor Abedini and other prisoners of conscience.”

As we continue to pray for Pastor Saeed and the Abedini family on this solemn anniversary, the fight continues to save Saeed.

Naghmeh has used the Pope’s arrival in America as an opportunity to seek his help in pressuring Iran to free Saeed and recognize international human rights.

Naghmeh, along with the ACLJ International Legal Team, also met recently with the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, who reiterated a strong commitment to Pastor Saeed’s freedom. Additionally, Naghmeh spoke before more than 100 Parliamentarians from nearly 50 countries last weekend. 67 of these global leaders signed a letter to the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament demanding the release of Pastor Saeed.

The ACLJ has mailed more than 265,000 letters to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to intervene with Iran’s leaders on Pastor Saeed’s behalf.

And to commemorate the third anniversary of his imprisonment, there will be 810 vigils taking place in 38 countries and territories around the world. Visit www.saeedvigil.com to find a vigil near you.

Continue to pray for Pastor Saeed and the Abedini family, and continue to join us in our fight to save Saeed.

1,171,474

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