Jailed Iranian-American Pastor's Wife Says U.S. Should Call For His Release

The wife of Iranian-American pastor Saeed Abedini says U.S. President Obama should call for the release of her husband, who has been jailed for his religious activities.

On August 26, an Iranian court rejected an appeal to reduce Abedini's eight-year prison sentence.

He has been jailed in Iran since September 2012 on charges that he attempted to undermine state security by creating a network of Christian churches in private homes.

He was put on trial in January and sentenced to prison.

Abedini's wife, Naghmeh, told RFE/RL that her husband should be released immediately.

The U.S. State Department has in the past called for Abedini's release.