USCIRF Calls on Iran To Release American Pastor Held On National Security Charges

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued a press release on Wednesday calling for the government of Iran to release Iranian-American pastor Saeed Abedeni who was arrested in September for his involvement with the underground house church movement. According to USCIRF:

The national security charges leveled against Mr. Abedini are bogus and are a typical tactic by the Iranian government to masquerade the real reason for the charges: to suppress religious belief and activity of which the Iranian government does not approve.

Abedini apparently is scheduled to come before Revolutionary Court judge Pir-Abbassi next week. The judge is known for swift trials and harsh penalties.