Iran: Pastor Abedini in solitary confinement

Pastor Saeed Abedini with his family (Photo: ACLJ via YouTube)

There are reports that imprisoned Pastor Saeed Abedini has been placed in solitary confinement in an Iranian prison.

Christians around the world have been praying for the release of the pastor, who has dual US-Iranian nationality.

Pastor Abedini, a convert to Christianity, was arrested last September while visiting family in Iran and was sentenced to eight years in prison on 27 January for "actions against the national security of Iran" and "planting house churches that are intended to undermine national security".

He was sent to Evin Prison, where he has reportedly suffered beatings and been denied medical treatment by prison authorities.

Mohabat News reports that Pastor Abedini and nine other prisoners were placed in solitary confinement after taking part in a peaceful protest over the mistreatment of inmates in the prison.

Pastor Abedini also signed a petition criticising the lack of medical care for prisoners and the mistreatment of their families during visits.  Prison authorities are reportedly no longer allowing family members to visit the pastor.

Chief Executive of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Mervyn Thomas, said he was deeply concerned that Pastor Abedini is being held in solitary confinement despite urgently needing medical attention.

He raised concerns about another imprisoned pastor, Behnam Irani, imprisoned in similar conditions without access to medical treatment.

"We urge the Iranian authorities to provide immediate medical care for Pastor Abedini and Pastor Irani, and to release them and all other prisoners who in reality are being held on account of their faith," he said.

"The freedom to profess one's faith is protected in the Iranian constitution as well as in various international treaties to which Iran is signatory, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

"We therefore call on Iran to fulfil its legal obligations and uphold this right for all of its citizens."

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Kemi Badenoch: End investigations into Darlington nurses and Jennifer Melle
Kemi Badenoch: End investigations into Darlington nurses and Jennifer Melle

The NHS appears to be resisting the Supreme Court ruling on gender.

Newsboys launch legal action against MercyMe, concert promoters and media
Newsboys launch legal action against MercyMe, concert promoters and media

The Christian band Newsboys and owner Wes Campbell have filed a federal lawsuit in Tennessee alleging defamation and antitrust violations against major figures in CCM, including MercyMe and frontman Bart Millard, claiming a coordinated effort to force them out of the concert market.

Nick Vujicic responds to rumours he is dead by confirming he is alive and well
Nick Vujicic responds to rumours he is dead by confirming he is alive and well

"Although I’d like to go Home, there’s much more work to be done,” the 43 year old said.

'Sad moment' as abortion up to birth becomes the law of the land
'Sad moment' as abortion up to birth becomes the law of the land

The passage of the Crime and Policing Bill means, among other things, that women who abort their babies beyond the legal limit of 24 weeks will face no criminal sanction.