November 08-2013
The Iranian-American pastor imprisoned in Iran has reportedly been moved to an even harsher facility.
Saeed Abedini’s relatives in Tehran have told the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), the conservative Christian group supporting Abedini, that when they arrived at Evin Prison for their weekly visit Monday, they were told he had been moved to Rajai Shahr Prison west of Tehran.
The family said Rajai Shahr does not allow visitors.
Rajai Shahr has a reputation as an especially tough detention locale. The ACLJ emphasized that point in talking to American reporters. It said Rajai Shahr is known for holding political prisoners in the same cells as murderers and rapists, and that violence is a regular occurrence.
The ACLJ said Abedini’s life is in danger and called for the Obama Administration to take diplomatic action.
Abedini converted from Islam to Christianity 13 years ago. He made frequent trips home to Iran to help develop the country’s underground church community. He was in Iran to see his parents and help set up an orphanage when the authorities seized him in July last year.
He was sentenced to eight years in prison for “undermining the Iranian government,” spending his first four weeks at Evin prison in solitary confinement.
His wife, Naghmeh, and their two children live in Boise, Idaho, where he had a congregation before his arrest.
Abedini is one of three American citizens in Iranian detention.