Cross-Party Group in British Parliament Welcomes Iran’s Suggestion of Clemency, Urges Pastor Saeed’s Release

World leaders continue to take a strong stand for American Pastor Saeed Abedini who is imprisoned in Iran for his Christian faith.

A cross-party group, in the British Parliament, has released a statement welcoming Iran’s suggestion that clemency may be possible for Pastor Saeed.

The All Party Parliamentary Group on International Freedom of Religion or Belief, based in London, stated:

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on International Freedom of Religion or Belief welcomes recent statements by Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif with respect to Saeed Abedini, an American Pastor imprisoned in Iran. The group especially appreciates his statement about the "various clemency measures in Iran that can be introduced, [have] happened in the past, [and] can be introduced again in these cases”.

"While we understand that such a decision rests with the judiciary in Iran, we are encouraged that a high-ranking minister is openly taking this position. We hope that Pastor Saeed Abedini will be released as soon as possible and returned to his family. Such a move would be concrete evidence that the reforming agenda of President Rouhani is becoming a reality," says Baroness Berridge, Chairman of the APPG.

We are extremely grateful for and encouraged by the willingness of such a diverse group of parliamentarians from the United Kingdom to speak out on such an important case.

It is paramount, especially now that clemency is essentially on the table, that world leaders speak out in support of this critical opportunity for Pastor Saeed’s freedom.

We have and will continue to work along side this APPG in fighting for Pastor Saeed’s release.

Since Iran’s statement about clemency – release under Iran’s own legal system – for Pastor Saeed, more than 175,000 people have signed our petition urging Iran to grant clemency.  Sign the petition, share his story, and continue to pray for his freedom.