The plea for an American-Iranian Christian pastor imprisoned in Iran is going international -- and that's just one of the approaches being used to help him.
Saeed Abedini lived in Iran, moved with his wife and two children to Idaho, then was arrested during a return trip to visit relatives. He is currently in prison and is being tortured. the American Center for Law & Justice is taking the case to the United Nations Human Rights Council. Attorney Jordan Sekulow says they can do that because they have an office in Europe which is recognized as a non-government organization.
Saeed Abedini lived in Iran, moved with his wife and two children to Idaho, then was arrested during a return trip to visit relatives. He is currently in prison and is being tortured. the American Center for Law & Justice is taking the case to the United Nations Human Rights Council. Attorney Jordan Sekulow says they can do that because they have an office in Europe which is recognized as a non-government organization.
"Because of that we're able to let all 47 member states that are part of the U.N. Human Rights Council know officially about Pastor Saeed's case when they're in session at the end of this month and into next month," explains Sekulow. "It's an opportunity to confront the countries who may not be as friendly, as well as friendly countries, with the facts." Documents filed with the Council, which are posted on the ACLJ website, indicate Iran is violating treaties it has signed on to.
"And we break it down for people and then have the action items that we recommend the Human Rights Council take, which are to condemn Iran, request the release of Pastor Saeed, and call on Iran to start recognizing these rights," adds the attorney.
ACLJ is still working with Abedini's attorney who has filed an appeal and is trying to get him access to a phone so he can resume communicating with his family. In addition, government officials in Washingtion, DC, seem to be engaging the issue more.
"And we break it down for people and then have the action items that we recommend the Human Rights Council take, which are to condemn Iran, request the release of Pastor Saeed, and call on Iran to start recognizing these rights," adds the attorney.
ACLJ is still working with Abedini's attorney who has filed an appeal and is trying to get him access to a phone so he can resume communicating with his family. In addition, government officials in Washingtion, DC, seem to be engaging the issue more.