Washington D.C., Sep 1, 2013 / 06:11 am
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has renewed calls for the Iranian government to release American citizen Saeed Abedini, a Christian pastor serving an eight-year sentence on religion-related charges.
"The United States respectfully asks the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to work cooperatively with us in our efforts to help U.S. citizens," Secretary Kerry asked in an Aug. 29 press release, to "return to their families after lengthy detentions."
"These men belong at home with those who love them and miss them."
In his statement, Kerry also asked for the release and location of Amir Hekmati and Robert Levinson, who are detained and missing in the country as well.