House Committee Passes Resolution Calling for Release of Americans Held in Iran

Press Release

Today, Naghmeh Abedini, the wife of Boise Pastor Saeed Abedini, testified in front of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs regarding her husband and other Americans being detained in Iran. Pastor Saeed Abedini has been held prisoner in Iran since 2012 when he was arrested and charged with intentionally undermining the national security of Iran by gathering with other Christians in private homes. In 2013 he was sentenced to eight years in prison. Today was the third time that Naghmeh has testified before Congress.

In addition to hearing testimony from the family members of U.S. citizens being held prisoner in Iran, the Committee unanimously passed H. Res. 233. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Kildee (MI-05) along with Reps. Labrador (ID-01), Deutch (FL-21), Huffman (CA-02), Engel (NY-16), and Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) on April 29, 2015. Reps. Labrador, Kildee, Deutch, and Huffman each represent the families of Americans being held prisoner in Iran or who are missing in Iran.

The resolution states "That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that Iran should release all detained United States citizens immediately and provide any information it possesses regarding any United States citizens that have disappeared within its borders."

Following the hearing Rep. Raúl Labrador issued the following statement:

"I was humbled to attend today's hearing and support Naghmeh as she testified before the committee. I am grateful that I was able to speak and express my support for the Abedini family. Each time I hear Naghmeh speak I am touched by her strength, love and concern for her husband. I continue to hope and pray for the release of Pastor Saeed and the other Americans being held prisoner in Iran.

"I am pleased that the committee has passed H. Res. 233 and look forward to the resolution being passed by the entire House. I hope that the government of Iran will act and release Pastor Saeed and the other Americans they are holding prisoner and believe that all negotiations with Iran should end until Iran releases these prisoners.

"I urge President Obama to continue to advocate for the release of Pastor Saeed as he negotiates with the Iranian government and take all necessary and appropriate steps to secure his release. If the Iranian government desires to engage in constructive interaction with the world it should release Pastor Saeed."

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