Galvanised by the release of other American prisoners, people around the world have increased their efforts to secure the release of Pastor Saeed Abedini.
Kenneth Bae and Matthew Todd Miller were recently released from North Korean captivity, yet Abedini remains in prison in Iran. Over 300,000 people have signed an ACLJ petition calling for his release.
The petition lists the United States' efforts to save Bae, Miller, and Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, who was held prisoner in Mexico, and contrasts them with the government's efforts to bring Pastor Abedini home.
"Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson took strong steps to help Sgt. Tahmooressi," the ACLJ wrote. "In North Korea, U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper directly intervened delivering a letter from President Obama himself. The Obama Administration's extraordinary steps led to freedom for Bae and Miller.
"The Administration did the right thing to get these men home. But what about American Pastor Saeed Abedini?"
Abedini became a Christian in 2000, and maintains that he travelled to his native country in September 2012 to help build a state-run orphanage. He was arrested for proselytising, and has reportedly been beaten by inmates and guards while incarcerated. He was sentenced to eight years in prison in January 2013.
The ACLJ urged the White House to use their nuclear negotiations with Iran as leverage to secure Abedini's release. There is a November 24 deadline for a deal to be made between the world powers.
"The U.S. is in a historically unique position to demand Pastor Saeed's freedom," the ACLJ insisted.
The human rights organisation also began a postcard campaign to flood the White House with requests for Abedini's freedom. The pre-printed postcards are $25.60 for 100, with decreasing costs for every 100 postcards thereafter. Over 80,000 have already been ordered.
"The goal of the effort is to have 'one card, on united message, and one voice to speak up for our brother in chains,'" the ACLJ said.
