Seeking freedom for Boise pastor

April 19, 2013

Boise Pastor Saeed Abedini with his family.

Idaho First District Congressman Raúl Labrador, along with 45 of his House colleagues, recently introduced a bipartisan House resolution (H.Res. 147) calling for the release of Boise Pastor Saeed Abedini from an Iranian prison.

The Congressman released the following statement:

"Iran's decision to sentence Pastor Saeed Abedini to eight years in prison for simply practicing his faith is a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights. The United States must dedicate the necessary resources to secure the release and freedom of this American citizen. My prayers continue to be with Pastor Abedini and his family in this difficult time."

Pastor Abedini visited Iran last year to continue his work on an orphanage he started. While visiting, he was arrested and imprisoned for his previous work on starting Christian churches in Iran. He was sentenced to eight years in Evin Prison earlier this year.

Last month, Congressman Labrador and four House colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry urging the State Department to act on behalf of Pastor Abedini by calling for his immediate and unconditional release. Read the letter online here.