Sen. Moran Urges State Department to Protect Persecuted American Pastor

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) called on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to engage with the international community and advocate for the release of jailed American pastor Saeed Abedini. Abedini is an American citizen with dual Iranian citizenship who has been in solitary confinement since Sept. 26, 2012, after five members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard raided his parents' home in Iran. Abedini faces charges based on his Christian faith.

"No person should be detained, tortured or face execution for their religious beliefs," said Sen. Moran. "Iran's treatment of Pastor Abedini is another example of the Iranian government's disregard for fundamental human rights and religious freedom. My prayers are with the pastor and his family."

Although the United States and Iran lack diplomatic relations, the letter urges the State Department to work tirelessly to ensure Abedini's return to the United States. His trial is set for Jan. 21, 2013.

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