On September 26, 2012, Saeed Abedini, an American pastor, was arrested by Iranian Revolutionary Guards while visiting relatives in Tehran. His detention marked the beginning of a long and brutal imprisonment characterized by severe treatment, including beatings, abuse, and prolonged solitary confinement in some of the most dangerous prisons in Iran. His only crime was his Christian faith.
The anniversary of his imprisonment highlights the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in Iran, where freedom of belief is heavily restricted. Saeed's plight has drawn attention to the broader issues of religious persecution and human rights abuses within the country, which continue to be a concern for advocates around the world.