GOHARDASHT, Iran (aclj.org) — American Pastor Saeed Abedini may be facing an upgrade to his current charges, his wife, Naghmeh, said after visiting him at Rajaei Shahr prison today, according to the American Center for Law and Justice.
Naghmeh Abedini said her husband was verbally and physically abused during an intense interrogation session yesterday by Iranian intelligence and was threatened with new criminal charges for alleged anti-government sentiments and connections with anti-government groups. Saeed Abedini maintains that he only entered Iran to to assist in the building of a government-approved orphanage.
He is facing an eight-year sentence for sharing his faith.
Sept. 26 marks three years since the pastor’s imprisonment and will be remembered through hundreds of prayer vigils around the world.
Naghmed Abedini said, “I pray that as (Iranian) President Rouhani plans his travel to the United States next week, he will hear relentless voices crying out for Saeed’s freedom.”
To sign a petition calling for Saeed Abedini’s release or learn more about his case, go to beheardproject.com.
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