Rally against the Iranian Interests Section in Washington to protest the imprisonment of Iranian-American Pastor Said Abedini
On Thursday, June 13, 2013, in conjunction with groups around the world, a peaceful demonstration was held outside of the Iranian Interest Section in Washington, DC to protest the imprisonment of Iranian-American Pastor Said Abedini. The protest group was organized by Christian Defense Coalition of America at the request of Abedini’s wife, Naghmeh Abedini. Most participants were American citizens. The Boroumand Foundation and a number of Iranian citizens were also present at the rally in solidarity to demand the release of Abedini as a prisoner of conscience and for an end to the Iranian government’s intolerance towards human rights, particularly freedom of religion.
Abedini is a 34-year-old Iranian American Christian and father of two. Last October he traveled to Iran “to visit family and to establish an orphanage” but was detained without being told the charges against him by Iranian authorities. News sources reported Abedini was beaten during his detention. Abedini also sent a letter to his wife, pointing to torture and harsh detention conditions. International calls for release, including the American State Department, have had little impact thus far.
Abedini denies allegations that he promoted Christianity and insists that he only wanted to create an orphanage. Iranian authorities sentenced Abedini to eight years in prison for establishing home churches and for intent to disrupt national security. Abedini’s American lawyer, Tiffany Burns, attended the event to provide an update on Abedini’s case. She emphasized that Abedini suffers medical ailments but is unable to receive proper medical care at the local hospital for unsubstantiated reasons.
My Interrogator Said: You Are An Ass, And Asses Do Not Merit Human Rights