Washington D.C., Aug 28, 2013 / 03:08 am
Calls for U.S. action continue after an Iranian court rejected an appeal from Christian pastor Saeed Abedini, an American citizen imprisoned in Iran for his religious work in the country.
"The news out of Iran is devastating to our family," said Naghmeh Abedini, wife of the pastor, in an Aug. 26 statement.
"From past cases, we know that the decision to release my husband lies solely at the mercy of the Supreme Leader," she added. "It is imperative in the coming days, weeks, and months that we remain vigilant to call for Pastor Saeed's release. This includes continuing to put pressure on Iran from the U.S. government and governments around the world."
Born and raised as a Muslim in Iran, Abedini converted to Christianity in 2000 and obtained U.S. citizenship a decade later, following his marriage to Naghmeh, who is also a U.S. citizen. The couple and their two children live in Idaho.