Time for President Obama to engage
By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service
WASHINGTON D.C.
(ANS) -- Secretary of State John Kerry's
statement urging Iran to allow American Pastor Saeed Abedini to return
to his family is an important diplomatic step in the effort for his
freedom.
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Saeed Abedini and his family
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Secretary
Kerry's statement comes just days after the Iranian judiciary denied
Abedini's appeal and affirmed his conviction and eight year prison
sentence.
This statement from America's top diplomat reaffirms
that despite the legal decision in Iran, the fight for Abedini's freedom
is far from over.It is a critical time to reengage Iran, to use all diplomatic avenues to secure his release.
The
ACLJ said, "We urge the State Department to follow Secretary Kerry's
lead and redouble all efforts for Pastor Saeed's freedom. As a U.S.
citizen imprisoned in Iran merely because of his Christian faith, the
U.S. Government - his government - should be doing everything in its
power to bring this innocent man home to his family."
While Secretary Kerry's statement pu
ts Abedini's case back in the diplomatic spotlight, that alone will not bring about his freedom.
The
ACLJ added, "It is time for the President of the United States to
engage his case. When a U.S. citizen - a Christian pastor - is
illegally imprisoned in a foreign land, it should be a top priority of
the President to bring him home."
The ACLJ said that Abedini's
case deserves the attention and commitment of President Obama. who can
raise it to the highest level of international diplomacy.
The
ACLJ represents Abedini's wife Naghmeh. She said in the ACLJ story, "I
am very thankful for the statement that Secretary of State John Kerry
made to Iran regarding Saeed's immediate return to our family, and I
hope that the State Department is truly willing explore all avenues to
secure my husband's release."
She
continued, "I still expect my president, President Obama, who has
remained silent thus far, to speak out on this very critical human
rights issue and let the Iranian government and the world know that re
ligious freedom is still a top priority for our government. President
Obama must demonstrate that America will not stay silent in the face of
religious persecution, nor will it let an American citizen waste away in
an Iranian prison simply because he chose to follow Jesus."
The
ACLJ said now that Abedini's judicial appeals have been exhausted, the
focus turns to the leadership of Iran. A decision for his release will
come from the top.
Secretary
Kerry noted the importance of reaching out directly to the new
president of Iran. "President Rouhani has shared in his speeches and
interviews over the past few months his hope and vision to improve the
Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran's relationship with the
world."
The ACLJ said ti is
is poised to launch a new effort focusing on international pressure on
the leadership of Iran to release Abedini.
"We
know the pressure of individuals around the world can make an
incredible difference in these cases," the ACLJ commented, "just at it
did in the case of
Pastor Youcef who was freed nearly one year ago."
The second key landmark Secretary Kerry mentioned is the upcoming Sept. 26 first anniversary of Abedini's imprisonment.
Abedini's
wife, Naghmeh, is organizing a nationwide prayer vigil for Abedini on
Sept. 26. There are vigils scheduled in nearly every state in America
and numerous foreign cities, with more being added daily.
The
ACLJ said, "Because of the support of hundreds of thousands of people,
Pastor Saeed's case has gained immense international media and
diplomatic attention. It is time to focus the pressure on the Iranian
regime to free this innocent U.S. citizen. He must be allowed to return
home to his family that loves him and misses him."
For more information about participating in a vigil for Abedini, visit www.SaveSaeed.org.
See all ASSIST News articles at www.assistnews.net
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