Christian Advocacy Now

Dragged off a bus on the Iranian border and arrested in September 2012, Saeed Abedini was sentenced to 8 years in Iran's notorious Evin Prison. In 2013, Saeed's situation took a turn for the worse when he was transferred to Rajai Shahr prison, which is notorious for housing murderers, rapists and drug addicts who continue their crimes within prison walls. It is considered the place where politacl prisoners are sent to disappear. Originally from Iran, this young husband and father who now calls Boise, Idaho home, returned to Iran to help set up an orphanage. From the onset, the Iranian government has been 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.

To encourage him, write to Saeed at:

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:

• Express your surprise at and concern for the situation of Saeed Abedini, and American citizen sentenced to 8 years in prison in Iran.
• State your understanding that Saeed Abedini was in Iran for humanitarian reasons, 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 his is free and safely on American soil.