Senate approves resolution to free Idaho
pastor
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November 15, 2013 |
U.S. Senator Jim Risch praised the unanimous
support for passage of his resolution calling on
the government of Iran to immediately release
Pastor Saeed Abedini and all other individuals
detained on account of their religious beliefs.
Pastor Saeed Abedini, a pastor and resident of
Boise, was seized by the Iranian government and
has been sentenced to eight years in prison for
allegedly spreading Christianity. He was in Iran
visiting family and working to build orphanages.
“I am pleased the Senate spoke unanimously in
calling for the release of Pastor Abedini and
detailing the inhumane treatment he has
received,” said Risch. “The government of Iran
continues to violate Pastor Abedini’s human
rights through his imprisonment and abuse.
Pastor Abedini’s only crime is to peacefully
exercise his faith and work to help meet the
needs of the poor and most vulnerable in Iran.
It is past time for Iran to release Pastor Saeed
Abedini.”
Abedini is one of three Americans being held in
Iran. Abedini was placed under house arrest in
June 2012, put in Evin prison in September and
was sentenced to eight years in January 2013,
and recently moved to a much more dangerous
prison and denied family visitation. His appeal
to the Tehran appeals court was denied in August
2013.
His wife, Naghmeh, and children live in the
Boise area.
The full text of S Res. 284 can be read online
here. |
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