The publisher of The Washington Post says he “couldn’t be happier” to hear that the paper’s reporter, Jason Rezaian, had been released from Iran’s Evin Prison on Saturday.
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Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California, who has publicly advocated and prayed for Abedini’s release, posted on his Facebook Saturday: “American Pastor, Saeed Abedini along with the 3 other American prisoners have been released from Prison in Iran!” At time of arrest, was running an orphanage in Iran. “But I’ve not been formally informed if he is free now”, he said, adding that negotiations for the prisoners’ release has been going on for the past two months.
“Based on an approval of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) and the general interests of the Islamic Republic, four Iranian prisoners with dual nationality were freed today within the framework of a prisoner swap deal”, the office of the Tehran prosecutor told FARS, the semi-official new service in Iran. Hekmati went to Iran to visit family and spend time with his ailing grandmother. After a higher court ordered a retrial, he was sentenced in 2014 to 10 years on a lesser charge.
The fifth is a student, identified as Matthew Trevithnick, who was released independently of the exchange on Saturday and already was on his way home, said US officials.
BOISE, Idaho- Naghmeh Abedini posted on her social media account “it is confirmed” that her husband Saeed Abedini has been released from an Iranian prison. “We are incredibly grateful to the more than 1.1 million people who have joined us in fighting across the globe for Pastor Saeed’s freedom”, said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of ACLJ, in a statement.
She also released a statement, reported by CNN, saying her husband’s release “has been an answer to prayer”.
He had endured physical, emotional and psychological abuse during his imprisonment, according to his family, but resolutely stated that he would not renounce his Christian faith to escape punishment.
“This is an answer to prayer, and we praise the Lord for how He has worked”.
Pastor Saeed Abedini was detained for sharing his faith in September 2012. We’re grateful for the millions of people who have stood with us in our ongoing efforts – both in this country and overseas – to secure his release.
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“Iran and the nations of the world must understand that we will not leave behind any American who is in a foreign prison for simply standing up for a God given human right”.
