Saturday, January 16, 2016

Saeed Abedini Departs Iran Prison after 3 Years; Christian Pastor, 3 Others Freed in US-Iran Deal

Pastor Saeed Abedini has been released from prison in Iran after more than three years in captivity for his Christian faith, the Christian Post website reports today (January 16, 2016).

Abedini -- a U.S. citizen who has attracted high-profile advocates for his release including President Obama and members of Congress -- was released today along with three other detained Americans: Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian; former Marine Amir Hekmati; and Nosratollah Khosavi-Roodsari, U.S. administration officials confirmed.

Abedini's wife, Naghmem -- who has tirelessly campaigned for his release since his imprisonment -- said in a statement, "This has been an answer to prayer. This is a critical time for me and my family. We look forward to Saeed's return and want to thank the millions of people who have stood with us in prayer during this most difficult time."

The four Americans were released by Iran in exchange for at least six people imprisoned by the United States, and just ahead of the implementation of the July 2015 historic nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers.

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