An American pastor imprisoned in Iran was recently taken to the hospital for medical treatment, but was placed in shackles, denied surgery and informed that he must return to prison, according to reports.

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which has been fighting for the freedom of Pastor Saeed Abedini, states that the Iranian-born American’s circumstances have now taken a turn for the worse. The organization outlines that just over a week ago, Abedini was transported to a private hospital to receive tests and obtain surgery, but suddenly became the focus of hostility this week.

As previously reported, Abedini, a former Muslim turned Christian, left Iran in 2005 and moved to the United States with his wife and children to find religious freedom. Last fall, he traveled back to Iran to build an orphanage and visit his parents—and was about to return to the states—when he was taken into custody.

Abedini was later charged with threatening the national security of Iran, and for attempting to turn youth in the nation away from Islam and toward Christianity. He was then sentenced to eight years in Iran’s notorious Evin Prison, where he has spent the past year. In November, he was transported to Rajai Shahr Prison, which was believed to pose an even greater threat to Abedini’s health and safety.

Abedini was set to receive treatment last week for injuries resulting from his numerous beatings, and began receiving tests and nourishment, but matters reportedly turned abruptly hostile.

“Iranian guards lashed out violently against  Pastor Saeed and an elderly relative who had been able to visit him in the hospital,” Executive Director Jordan Sekulow wrote in an update on Wednesday. “Pastor Saeed was pinned down and shackled. His elderly relative was roughly handled and expelled from the hospital.”

“The guards stated that they had a court order banning visitors and instructing that he be shackled at all times. Hospital doctors also told Pastor Saeed that he must leave the hospital and return to prison,” he continued. “They are refusing to provide him with anything more than mere pain medication. They have denied him surgery—the only treatment that will help. They have even denied him test results.”

Sekulow said that the most recent turn of events serves as a reminder that the world must continue to place pressure upon Iran.

“Iran must not be allowed to continue to abuse and mistreat Pastor Saeed out of the public spotlight,” he stated. “The Iranian government is wrongfully imprisoning him and denying him needed medical care because he is a Christian. Each day apart from his family and away from the care of physicians is another human rights abuse.”

The ACLJ is hoping that President Hassan Rouhani will grant Abedini clemency on March 21st, the Iranian new year, and is meeting with UN leaders in Geneva to discuss the pastor’s plight. As previously reported, U.S. Senator Rand Paul sent a letter to Rouhani in September, requesting that Abedini be released.

“I am writing to you today to urge you to commute the sentence of Pastor Saeed Abedini and release him from prison,” he wrote. “[G]ranting clemency to Pastor Abedini and allowing him to return to the United States would do much to create a positive atmosphere that would reflect well on future discussions.”

Supporters may likewise sign a petition urging clemency for Abedini.

Become a Christian News Network Supporter...

Dear Reader, has ChristianNews.net been of benefit and a blessing to you? For many years now, the Lord has seen fit to use this small news outlet as a strong influential resource in keeping Christians informed on current events from a Biblical worldview. With much compromise and many falsehoods in modern-day Christianity, we strive to bring you the news by keeping Christ and His word in focus. If you have benefited from our news coverage, please prayerfully consider becoming a Christian News supporter by clicking here to make a one-time or monthly donation to help keep the truth of God's word widely and freely published and distributed. May Christ continue to be exalted through this work!