After a public hearing and a petition with more than half a million names, pressure is mounting on the Iranian regime to release an American pastor sentenced to eight years in one of the country's most notorious prisons.
According to the American Center for Law and Justice, Pastor Saeed Abedini met with his family in Iran for an extended two-hour visitation Monday. The visit was allowed in commemoration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
More information about Abedini's medical condition has come to light after the visitation.
The ACLJ, which represents Pastor Saeed, his wife, and their two young children, said he has been examined for internal bleeding and will be taken to a hospital to receive medical care.
- You can sign the American Center for Law and Justice's petition to free Saeed here.
"With his medical condition worsening each day, such medical attention is needed immediately," the ACLJ said in statement on its website.
Pastor Abedini was taken into custody last July while building an orphanage in his native Iran.
His wife, Naghmeh Abedini, their attorneys and human rights advocates testified on Capitol Hill last week, calling for his release.
They believe yet-to-be made public statements from the Obama administration, coupled with continued international pressure, will force Iran to listen.