There’s been a very troubling development in the case of American Pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Iran because of his Christian faith.
The ACLJ has confirmed through Pastor Saeed’s family members in Iran that he has been moved from Evin Prison in Tehran to Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj – an even more dangerous prison where he faces life-threatening conditions and treatment.
A member of Pastor Saeed’s family in Iran arrived at Evin Prison today for the regular weekly visit and was told that Pastor Saeed had been moved to this this prison outside of Tehran yesterday – about an hour and a half drive away. The family member travelled to Rajai Shahr Prison and was told that Pastor Saeed is imprisoned there and is not permitted to have any visitors.
The unexplained and abrupt transfer comes as turmoil intensifies inside Iran where anti-American sentiment was on full display today as hardline opponents of Iran’s President Rouhani’s historic outreach to the United States took to the streets to mark the anniversary of the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Iran in 1979.
In today’s protests, crowds chanted “death to America” – direct opposition to President Rouhani’s promise of moderation.
The ACLJ has confirmed that Pastor Saeed is now in one of the most dangerous wards of Rajai Shahr Prison – where violent prisoners are held – those who are imprisoned for murder and rape.
In 2005, Loes Bijnen, a Dutch Diplomat from the embassy in Tehran, described Rajai Shahr prison:
“Rajai Shahr is the place where political prisoners who are seen as a nuisance, are stowed away. Going to Karaj is a severe punishment. Once in there one stops to be a human being. One is put out of sight, even of human rights activists and the press. In Rajaï Shahr, political prisoners have to share cells with dangerous criminals like murderers, rapists and drug addicts who don’t hesitate to attack their cell mates. They have nothing to lose: many of them are condemned to death anyway. Murders or unexplained deaths are a regular occurrence.”
The transfer to this prison is a deeply disturbing development and can only be viewed as a move that puts Pastor Saeed’s life directly at risk.
President Obama called Iranian President Rhouani in September – urging him to release Pastor Saeed.
This new and extremely dangerous development requires the full attention and focus of President Obama. He must speak out now – directly and forcefully – to save Pastor Saeed’s life. Pastor Saeed’s life is in grave danger.
There’s wide bi-partisan support for a critical resolution in the Senate calling for Pastor Saeed’s release. And we continue to work to ensure passage of that measure.
But it is critical that President Obama take immediate diplomatic action to save the life of this U.S. citizen.
Send a message to President Obama today. Sign on to our Petition to Immediately Intervene to Save Saeed.
Time is of the essence!
Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh’s new message:
Today Marks day 1 of prayer and fasting. When I asked for prayer and fasting On November 4,5, and 6, I did not anticipate the trials that were coming our way. The Lord had put on my heart that there …is a battle in the spiritual realms and for the body of Christ to come together with prayer and fasting.
This is a spiritual battle.
Saeed’s life is in danger. He was taken from Evin prison to another prison yesterday. This prison is worse than Even. This is where people on death row go (murderers and rapist). Two people have been killed in the last 24 hours in front of Saeed because of the violence in that prison. Saeed’s father is not allowed to see him as of now.
People are in the streets chanting death to America in the last few days.
Saeed is in the hands of the radicals and he needs your prayers more than ever.
Today, let’s focus on prayer for Saeed’s safety and that the Lord would use Saeed to reach those murderers and rapist. After much weeping and prayer, I knew the Lord had new people for Saeed to share Jesus with.
Please join me in prayer and fasting.
Love
Naghmeh
Voice of the Persecuted is in agreement about the spiritual battle taking place against us, the Body of Christ! We are made stronger through HIM that overcomes!
As we began this 1st day of interceding and fasting on behalf of Saeed, there’s is news of great encouragement. Yesterday, one of the pastors that was imprisoned in Evin with him, Mostafa Bordbar sentenced for 10 years was released! Falling on the same day as the IDOP for the persecuted!
Our prayers are POWERFUL! We will not let the Darkness of this world put fear into us! We will rise above it and trust our Lord for the great miracle of Saeed’s release! It is on my heart that this transfer is not an interruption, but a Divine Intervention that will bring glory to our Lord!
Ephesians 6:10-20
The Armor of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Please join us in this important fight to SAVE SAEED!
SIGN THE PETITON NOW. Stand up and be Saeed’s VOICE!
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