An Iranian American pastor who has been imprisoned in Iran was recently subjected to a raid by guards on his prison cell.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency Iran has reported that Saeed Abedini’s condition is “very worrisome" due to "dishonorable and harsh" actions by his prison guards.
Abedini has been imprisoned since 2012, according to The Christian Post. The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) is pushing for more forceful efforts to be taken by the U.S. government to pressure Iran to release Abedini and other Americans being held in Iranian prisons.
“We must send a message to Iran that it must immediately release Pastor Saeed and the other imprisoned Americans,” the ACLJ stated.
Little is known on the specific conditions of Abedini’s welfare. The Iranian government has denied his requests to talk to his wife and children in the U.S. Abedini’s relatives in Iran are currently out of the country, so they have also not been able to report on his condition.
In a previous letter to his family and supporters around the world, Abedini exuded confidence that God is in control.
“God is in control of all countries and leadership in the world when the body of Christ comes together in united prayer. He is in control and He is the One who beautifully writes the history over all governments, presidents, and any P5+1 negotiating team."
Abedini is in a particularly difficult situation as he is targeted both by prison guards and fellow prisoners who deride him for his American citizenship and Christian faith.
Publication date: August 18, 2015
