The American Center for Law and Justice noted that very little information has been available on Abedini's well being over the last month, noting that his relatives in Iran who visit him are presently out of the country, while the government has rejected all requests for the pastor to talk on the phone with his wife, Naghmeh, and the couple's two children in the U.S.
Iranian Christians 'Thank Christ' for US-Iran Nuclear Deal, Priest Says 'Prayers Were Answered'The Human Right Activists News Agency Iran reported last week that Abedini's prison cell was raided by guards in what it called "dishonorable and harsh" actions. It added that the pastor's condition at Rajai Shahr prison is very worrisome.
The ACLJ, which represents Abedini's family in the U.S., said that American officials need to press Iran on the release of Abedini and other Americans being held unjustly in Iranian prisons.
"The Iranian regime continues to hold this innocent man hostage," the law group said.
"We must send a message to Iran that it must immediately release Pastor Saeed and the other imprisoned Americans..."