After three years of advocacy on behalf of her husband Saeed, NaghmehAbedini says she has decided to pull back on public appearances. According to an article on the website Christianity Today, NaghmehAbedini cites marital abuse as her reason for moving out of the spotlight.
The website reports the Boise woman sent two emails to supporters, revealing “physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse” by her husband. Christianity Today reports Naghmeh’s emails detailed how Saeed’s addiction to pornography has worsened since he’s been imprisoned. The couple has been able to communicate by phone and Skype.
Saeed Abedini was arrested in his home country of Iran in 2012. The government there accused the pastor of starting Christian churches in private homes. He says he was there to open an orphanage.
Naghmeh – who is raising their two young children – met with President Barack Obama during his visit to Boise. During the recently negotiated Iran nuclear deal she advocated again for the release of her husband. She has also testified at the United Nations in New York, all the time not letting on to marital issues.
According to the Idaho Statesman, Naghmeh says she regrets sending those emails. She asks for privacy and says she will continue to pray for her husband's release.
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