Washington D.C., Nov 10, 2013 / 16:27 pm
Iranian authorities have reportedly transferred imprisoned U.S. citizen Saeed Abedini to a dangerous prison, prompting concern from human rights groups and calls for U.S. leaders to secure the Christian pastor's safety.
"Pastor Saeed is now in one of the most dangerous wards of Rajai Shahr Prison – where violent prisoners are held, those who are imprisoned for murder and rape," Jordan Sekulow of the American Center for Law and Justice said Nov. 4.
"The transfer to this prison is a deeply disturbing development and can only be viewed as a move that puts Pastor Saeed's life directly at risk," he added. "This new and extremely dangerous development requires the full attention and focus of President Obama. He must speak out now – directly and forcefully – to save Pastor Saeed's life."
Abedini was imprisoned in September 2012 on charges of threatening national security, but human rights groups contend that his Christian faith is the real motive for his eight-year sentence.