MS HC73

Commends Pastor Saeed Abedini, an Iranian-born U.S. citizen imprisoned in Tehran, for his dedication as a Christian minister despite unjust imprisonment for establishing house churches.

States Abedini was sentenced to eight years and has been subjected to torture, abuse, and brainwashing while denied communication with his wife and two children in the United States.

Notes an international campaign for his release led by the American Center for Law and Justice, with over 155,000 petition signatures as of February 8, and support from U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Lindsey Graham.

Expresses the Legislature's policy to support efforts for the release of ministers facing unjust imprisonment and directs copies of the resolution be provided to Abedini's family, the American Center for Law and Justice, and the Capitol Press Corps.