Naghmeh Abedini Regrets Sending Email Accusing Husband Saeed of Spousal Abuse

The wife of imprisoned pastor Saeed Abedini has voiced regret for emails she sent to close friends reportedly accusing the pastor of spousal abuse stemming from what was described in press reports as his addiction to pornography.

In two emails to close friends, Abedini disclosed that her marriage to Saeed Abedini has been troubled by “physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse (through Saeed’s addiction to pornography),” Christianity Today reported Nov. 12.

Naghmeh Abedini expressed regret a day later.

“I regret having sent the emails,” she said in a statement released Nov. 13 through the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ). “I was under great psychological and emotional distress. I am now taking time off [from public advocacy for her husband’s release] to heal and to rest and to spend much needed time with my kids.”

She did not specify the content of the emails nor retract their content. Baptist Press does not have access to the emails, which reportedly were never intended for wide release.

“I would appreciate for those who care about Saeed and our family to give us time for rest and healing and to respect our privacy,” Abedini said through the ACLJ. “I will continue to pray for my husband’s release and advocate for him as he suffers in an Iranian prison for his Christian faith. I would also ask others to join me in continuing to pray for his release.”

Christianity Today reported Saeed Abedini has continued to abuse his wife since his 2012 imprisonment for his faith, communicating with her through “phone and Skype.” Saeed has kept in touch with his public supporters through letters and messages relayed through family members who have been able to visit, according to media reports in Baptist Press and other news services.

The ACLJ would not comment on Saeed Abedini’s reported use of Skype in a prison where he has been subjected to beatings and inadequate medical care, but committed to continue advocating for the pastor.

“In recent days, Naghmeh — Pastor Saeed’s wife — has revealed that she is dealing with some very serious personal issues inside her family. She has asked for privacy and prayer. We are respecting her request,” the ACLJ said in a statement. “The ACLJ will not have any comment on the personal issues that she is addressing. What we are focused on is this: bringing home an American pastor who has been wrongly imprisoned in Iran because of his faith.

“We know that Pastor Saeed remains in grave danger in prison where he continues to be beaten and psychologically abused by Iranian guards and remains in need of medical care,” the ACLJ said. “We continue to pray for Naghmeh, Pastor Saeed, and their family. We will continue our work — in this country and abroad — to secure the freedom of this U.S. citizen.”

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SOURCE: Baptist Press
Diana Chandler