#RawIslam Iranian prison Ps. Saeed Abedini

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Two Years, but Still Praying for Pastor Saeed

ICC to Join Thousands in Calling for the Release of Imprisoned American-Iranian Pastor

09/19/2014 Washington, D.C. (International Christian Concern) - International Christian Concern (ICC) joins with thousands of Christians around the world to call for the release of American-Iranian Pastor Saeed Abedini. September 26, 2014 marks two years since Pastor Saeed was taken to an Iranian prison. He is serving an eight year prison sentence for his work among Iranian house churches in the early 2000s. One week from today, thousands are expected to gather at more than 460 prayer vigils in over 30 countries spanning the globe to mark the two year anniversary of his imprisonment. "Saeed was encouraged to know that so many cities and countries are gathering for a prayer vigil to remember him and the persecuted church on September 26," Naghmeh, Saeed's mother, said following her recent visit mother to the prison where he is being held in Karaj, Iran. "Thank you for all who are standing with us and the persecuted church. Thank you for bringing a smile to Saeed's face during such hard times." Since his imprisonment, Saeed has been subjected to long periods of solitary confinement and physical abuse. He is believed to be suffering from internal injuries that continue to go untreated and are causing him severe pain. Saeed's case has been raised before numerous international groups including the UN Human Rights Council which has released a report documenting his arbitrary detention. "The report details how Pastor Saeed was detained in Iran while finalizing the details of a government approved orphanage in July 2012, was subjected to a sham trial on charges related solely to his religious beliefs, and has spent nearly two years behind bars, enduring periods of solitary confinement and brutal beatings, because of his Christian faith," Jordan Sekulow of theAmerican Center for Law and Justice said of the report adopted by the working group on Arbitrary Detention at its August 2013 session. On September 27, 2013, one day after prayer vigils marking the first anniversary of Saeed's imprisonment, President Obama raised Saeed's case in his "historic phone call" with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The Iranian President will again be in the United States next week for the UN General Assembly. While no meeting is currently planned for the two presidents, Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to meet with Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, presenting an opportunity for the Secretary to directly address Saeed's case with his Iranian counterpart. As U.S. and Iranian officials continue to negotiate regarding Iran's nuclear program ahead of the November 24 deadline, the freedom of American citizens who are unjustly imprisoned in Iran should certainly be part of the concerns for the United States. For times and locations of the prayer vigils visit: www.beheardproject.com Todd Daniels, ICC Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, "We are privileged to join with thousands who will exercise their fundamental right of religious freedom by gathering to pray together, an act that, for Saeed Abedini and many more in Iran and around the world, would put them in prison. In a time when Christians around the world are facing increasing persecution, the church cannot remain silent. We urge Christians across the United States and around the world to gather and raise their voices to God on behalf of Saeed and others facing similar abuses and to raise their voice before world leaders and call for the freedom for all people to worship freely without fear of imprisonment or persecution. For Secretary Kerry, we urge him to directly address Saeed's case with Minister Zarif and ask him to follow through on offers of clemency that he said may be possible for Saeed." For interviews, contact Todd Daniels, Regional Manager for the Middle East: RM-ME@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference International Christian Concern (ICC) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.   International Christian Concern 2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #241, Washington, D.C. 20006 www.persecution.org  |  E-mail: icc@persecution.org Media Contact: Todd Daniels, Regional Manager for the Middle East RM-ME@persecution.org

#RawIslam: ‘Why Does Our Daddy Need to Be in Prison for Loving Jesus?

: Kids Send Emotional Video Message to Obama

“Dear President Obama, please help bring my daddy home,” Rebekka, 7, and Jacob, 6, ask in the short clip, as the two describe — through kids’ lenses — the immense pain and loss they’re feeling.

The children beg Obama to step in to help Abedini return to the family residence in Idaho, with Jacob telling the camera that his “heart cries” over his father’s ongoing plight. by theblaze.com Full Article 

Forced to Give Birth in Sudanese Prison

Christian Mother On Death Row for Her Faith Forced to Give Birth in Sudanese Prison Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Births Second Child on 100th Day in Federal Women's Prison

05/27/2014 Washington, D.C. (International Christian Concern) - International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Meriam Yahia Ibrahim, a Christian mother who, on May 15, was sentenced to 100 lashes and death on charges of adultery and apostasy, gave birth to her second child on the morning of her 100th day in prison. Denied access to a private medical center, Ibrahim was forced to give birth in the hospital wing of the Federal Women's Prison, which is situated in Khartoum's twin city, Omdurman, Sudan, early Tuesday morning. The baby is "said to be healthy," according to the Daily Mail. According to CNN, Daniel Wani, Ibrahim's husband, a United States (U.S.) citizen and resident of New Hampshire, was barred from witnessing the birth of his first daughter, who they have reportedly named Maya. Wani's firstborn son remains imprisoned with Ibrahim. Wani says Meriam has beenshackled to the floor in her group cell for the entirety of her and her son's 100-day detention, as of the day of this release. In speaking about the birth, one of Ibrahim's defense lawyers, Elshareef Ali Elshareef Mohammed, told the Telegraph, "They didn't even take Meriam to a hospital, she just delivered inside a prison clinic." Ibrahim was initially arrested and arbitrarily detained, without charge or trial, on February 17 by Public Order Police, a special law enforcement unit tasked with enforcing Sudan's Sharia-inspired 1991 Public Order Code. On March 4, Ibrahim was charged with adultery and apostasy (leaving Islam) by the El Haj Yousif Public Order Court in Khartoum. Ibrahim was convicted of both charges May 11, at which time she was allotted three days to recant her Christian faith, which she refused to do. The daughter of a Muslim father who left her and her mother at age six, Ibrahim, who was raised an Orthodox Christian and is now a practicing Catholic, is considered a Muslim in the eyes of Sudanese law, and is therefore accountable to the Public Order Code, which is not supposed to apply to "peoples of the book:" Christians and Jews. On May 15, Ibrahim refused to recant her Christian faith, stating, "I am a Christian, and I will remain a Christian." The presiding judge, Abbas al-Khaleefa, then sentenced Ibrahim to 100 lashes for adultery and to death for apostasy. Judge al-Khaleefa granted the defense 15 days to appeal the decision and made clear the state's intent to pursue its execution of the sentences following the birth of her second child. Ibrahim's defense team, provided by Justice Center Sudan, a Khatoum-based nonprofit, submitted a letter of appeal to the Khartoum Court of Appeals Thursday, May 22. ICC's Regional Manager for Africa, Cameron Thomas, said, "We are incredibly relieved to hear that Maya, Daniel and Meriam's second child is reportedly healthy, following her mother being forced to give birth in a Sudanese prison for refusing to recant her Christian faith. We remain concerned for Meriam and the baby, as we know the conditions of the prison are unfit for a newly born child and a mother recovering from labor. We've released a petition (to sign, click here) calling on the government of Sudan to immediately and unconditionally release Meriam. ICC continues to advocate on Meriam's behalf, remaining in constant contact with those on the ground in Khartoum. Ultimately, this is an egregious case in which an American citizen has now been born in a Sudanese prison because of her mother's faith. One has to ask, how much further is the Sudanese state willing to go to prove it's intent to make Sudan 'purely Islamic'?"  For interviews, contact Cameron Thomas, Regional Manager for Africa:  RM-Africa@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church.  For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

Pastor Saeed Beaten ...

International Christian Concern 2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #241, Washington, D.C. 20006 www.persecution.org  |  E-mail: icc@persecution.org Media Contact: Todd Daniels, Regional Manager for the Middle East RM-ME@persecution.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pastor Saeed Beaten and Returned to Prison

05/20/2014 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) - International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Pastor Saeed Abedini, an Iranian-American, was severely beaten and forcibly transferred from the hospital where he'd been receiving treatment back to prison. The transfer came without warning and again raises concern for his safety as he is returned back to prison. The transfer came entirely without warning to family members inside Iran. They confirmed that Saeed was beaten at the hospital and then forcibly returned to prison. "The reason for the transfer is unclear and according to family members, one of the guards who was involved in the transfer mentioned the Iranian nuclear talks as a possible motive," saidJordan Sekulow, Executive Director of the American Center for Law and Justice. The latest round of negotiations between Iran and six world powers (known as the P5+1) concluded on Friday in Vienna. Neither side left the negotiations positive about the talks. Iranian and American officials left the talks saying that "progress was slow and difficult, with serious gaps between the two sides on basic issues," according to the New York Times. There have been serious concerns that Saeed, as an American citizen, would become a bargaining chip in these negotiations. While relations between Iran and the United States are at the highest they have been since 1979, there remains deep distrust on both sides. For the life of an American citizen to be caught in the balance is extremely troubling. "This is getting so complicated," Naghmeh Abedini, Saeed's wife, told ICC. "I think they are keeping him to see how the negotiations go. Which makes all of this very scary to think about," she continued.   Saeed had been moved to the hospital in March to receive much-needed treatment for internal injuries he has suffered while in prison. Saeed has been imprisoned for 603 days. He was convicted on January 27, 2013 and sentenced to eight years in prison for "crimes against the national security of Iran" for his earlier involvement in the Iranian house churches. He had returned to the country with government approval to work on a humanitarian project when he was detained. "Please join me in prayer and fasting. Saeed is not doing well. He collapsed at the hospital after a severe beating," Naghmeh posted on social media this morning. "Without Jesus and your prayers I could not continue. Please keep Saeed and our family in your prayers," she continued.   Todd Daniels, ICC Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, "The continued abuse and imprisonment of Saeed Abedini is just further demonstration of Iran's systemic violation of fundamental human rights. We continue to urge for President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry to stand up for the rights of an American citizen who is imprisoned solely for his faith and to secure his release prior to meeting any additional Iranian demands. It is urgent that the church continue to pray for Saeed, Naghmeh, and their family and to continue to raise its voice to call for his release."    For interviews, contact Todd Daniels, Regional Manager for the Middle East:RM-ME@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church.  For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.

in Iran

Christians in Captivity  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

05/07/2014 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) - Today is Saeed Abedini's 34th birthday and it marks 589 days that the Iranian-American Christian has been imprisoned in Iran. While Saeed and dozens more Christians have been arrested because of their faith activities, Iranian Christians remain under the constant threat of arrest for nothing more than their religious beliefs. On May 5, Silas Rabbani, an associate pastor at a church in Karaj, Iran, and a married father of two, was arrested by agents of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and National Security (VEVAK). According to Present Truth Ministries, Silas' home had been raided in December 2013 while he was away and a laptop and Christian materials were seized from his home. In January, he was brought in by VEVAK and interrogated for eight hours before being released. Rabbani was brought into court on May 6 and was able to see his wife there. "He told her that they beat him during interrogation," Jason DeMars of Present Truth told International Christian Concern (ICC). "They told him in court that he is an apostate,"DeMars continued. Rabbani is now being held in Rajai Shahr prison in Karaj. It is unknown if formal charges have been brought against Rabbani. Rabbani is the third leader connected with the same church that has been taken into custody. Amin Khaki was detained in Shoush, Iran on March 5 and remains in custody. Benham Irani is presently serving a total of six years in Rajai Shahr prison. He has previously reported of the harsh treatment he has endured during his imprisonment, according to Mohabat News. Shahin Lahouti, a musician and convert to Christianity, was recently returned to prison,Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reported. Lahouti had been arrested in October 2012 and sentenced to two-and-a-half years, but was released on bail with conditions that he have no part in Christian activities. "We are deeply concerned that Mr Lahouti has been returned to prison. His initial conviction and sentencing were unjust and traumatic for him, his bail conditions were unacceptable, and his re-imprisonment compounds this injustice," Andy Dipper of CSW said in a press release. Abuse of prisoners has recently drawn international attention following an April 17 incident in Tehran's Evin prison where at least 30 prisoners, including Christian Farshid Fathi were injured by prison guards. "A prison guard broke Farshid Fathi's foot by repeatedly stomping on it as Fathi assisted an injured inmate," Gary Lane of CBNreported. In protest of the unjust trials for Christians and the abusive treatment he has faced in prison, Vahid Hakkani has staged a hunger strike that has lasted in excess of 35 days."A hunger strike is the last resort for Iranian prisoners of conscience and political prisoners to make their voices be heard," said Mohabat News. Hakkani is facing more than three years in prison and has been in need of medical treatment for internal problems that have intensified the concerns of his family. The situation for Saeed Abedini has improved slightly in recent weeks. He was transferred to a hospital where he is able to receive medical treatment for the injuries received during his imprisonment. His family has also been able to receive greater access to him, Naghmeh Abedini, Saeed's wife, told ICC. Yet he continues to serve out an eight year prison term for his previous activity with house churches. Despite promises of reform from the incoming President Rouhani there has been no sign of improvement for religious minorities. "In 2013 alone, the authorities reportedly arrested at least 42 Christians, of whom 35 were convicted for participation in informal 'house churches,'" wrote Ahmed Shaheed, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, in a March 2014 report."Iranian authorities at the highest levels have designated house churches and evangelical Christians as threats to national security," wrote Shaheed. Todd Daniels, ICC Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, "Iran continues to violate the most basic and fundamental rights of its citizens. The continued repression and abuse of its religious minorities raise serious doubts about the commitment of the Iranian regime to abide by its international agreements, as it regularly violates human rights standards that it has previously signed. If Iran wishes to demonstrate its commitment to reform, the treatment of its religious minorities is the place to start."    For interviews, contact Todd Daniels, Regional Manager for the Middle East: RM-ME@persecution.org # # #

You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church.  For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.   International Christian Concern 2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #241, Washington, D.C. 20006 www.persecution.org  |  E-mail: icc@persecution.org Media Contact: Todd Daniels, Regional Manager for the Middle East RM-ME@persecution.org