American Pastor Saeed: More Than 1,000 Days Lost
1,000 days, at first glance that may or may not seem like a long time. 1,000 days, almost 3 years. To put this into perspective, we are talking about President Obama’s reelection, lost Malaysian Airliners, World Series, Olympics, Ebola, Pope Francis, Boko Haram, Isis… Now that we have a grasp on the immense time that has passed in 1,000 days, think about spending that time in an atrocious Iranian prison. Why? Simply because of your Christian faith.
Now, let’s look at those 1,000 days again. Missed birthdays, first days of school, anniversaries, Christmases, even something as simple as being able to comfort a skinned knee…gone! Why? Simply because you are a Christian.
If you are reading this in the United States, it is hard to imagine serving time, while being subjected to beatings, unsanitary conditions, and no medical attention, even for a murderer. But American Pastor Saeed Abedini’s crime was not murder, it is simply that he loves Jesus. This U.S. citizen has now spent more than 1,000 days wrongfully imprisoned in Iran because of his Christian faith.
Of course he is not the only one who suffers due to his imprisonment. His wife, children, and extended family are forced to live without their husband, father, son, and brother. We recently topped the 1 million signatures mark, calling for his release, but we can’t stop there. Until Pastor Saeed is safe at home with his family, we must be diligent in our efforts demanding his release. With the Iranian Nuclear talks still underway, now is the time to make our voice heard.
Benjamin Franklin has been attributed as saying that “[j]ustice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” Now is the time for outrage. If you haven’t already signed our petition calling for the release of Pastor Saeed, now is the time to do so. If you have already signed, thank you and please share it with all of your friends and family to do the same. Pastor Saeed should not miss one more day of his life in prison.