Senator Ted Cruz has sent a letter, signed by 23 senators, to President Obama urging him to focus international attention on the case of American Pastor Saeed Abedini who earlier this week was transferred to the much more brutal Rajai Shahr prison (see earlier blog post for details on that).
“The President of the United States is in a unique position to focus international attention on the unjust and abusive detention of one of our citizens,” reads the letter by Sen. Cruz. “There might also be an opportunity for administration officials participating in nuclear negotiations in Geneva this week to raise the issue directly with their Iranian counterparts. Time is of the essence given Pastor Saeed’s current predicament.” Remember that Rajai Shahr is a prison where the most violent of murderers are kept. Since Saeed’s imprisonment there, two inmates have been killed by other inmates (that we know of).
The letter applauds Obama for raising the issue of Saeed’s detention during his first phone conversation with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sept. 27. During his conversation with Rouhani, who is seen as a moderate, Obama noted the nation’s concern about three American citizens who have been held within Iran, including Saeed. Pastor’s wife, Naghmeh, said at the time it was “the most encouraging news I have heard since Saeed was imprisoned one year ago.”
“We believe this new action by the Iranian regime merits additional response,” says Cruz in the letter. “It is imperative for the United States government to speak out boldly on behalf of Pastor Saeed at the earliest opportunity, and we look forward to supporting you in this effort.”
Please join us in continuing to pray for Pastor Saeed, his family, and the other American citizens held in Iran. Never underestimate the power of prayer. If you want to take action with Senator Cruz and the others (and haven’t done this yet) you can join 190,000 others in signing the brand new petition at http://www.beheardproject.com
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