February 2013 Action Item
Dragged off a bus on the Iranian border and arrested in September 2012, Saeed Abedini was just sentenced to 8 years in Iran's notorious Evin Prison. Originally from Iran, this young husband and father now lives in Boise, Idaho, but returned to Iran to help set up an orphanage. From the onset, the Iranian government has ignored due process, first indicating they would free Saeed on bail, then refusing; later they refused his family and lawyer access to him; and then they only allowed his attorney one day to present his defense. Despite his humanitarian efforts, Saeed has been charged with “threatening national security” for being involved in setting up a network of house churches—a charge he denies. From the trial, it appears the charges and prosecution were focused on 13 years ago when Saeed became a Christian.
Encourage!
Write to Saeed at:
Saeed Abedini
Evin Prison
Saadat Abad
Tehran
Islamic Republic of Iran
Act!
Additionally, write to President Barack Obama urging the United States government to exert all possible efforts on behalf of the American citizen wrongfully prosecuted and imprisoned in Iran.
WRITE TO:
President Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500
Suggested Points:
- Express your surprise at and concern for the situation of Saeed Abedini, an American citizen sentenced to 8 years in prison in Iran.
- State your understanding that Saeed Abedini was in Iran for humanitarian reasons, and is not guilty of criminal activity, but rather faces charges related to his Christian faith.
- Respectfully, urge that the United States government, including the president himself, fulfill their obligation to protect and defend its citizens here and abroad. Request that the United States would exert every possible intervention on behalf of Saeed Abedini and not cease until he is free and safely on American soil.