The wife of imprisoned Pastor Saeed Abedini is speaking out about the lack of action by the Obama administration to protect religious freedom around the world and work to release her husband.

“What kind of message are we sending to the world when we continue to negotiate while Iran continues to abuse one of our own, an American pastor?” she asked of those in attendance at the CPAC conference. “What is our message to the world on religious freedom issues?”

Abedeni’s tone was significantly different than the last time she spoke publicly after meeting with President Obama.  She expressed optimism at the time but now sounds like she is discouraged by the administration’s lack of action.

“I’m proud to see my husband stand up for his faith in the face of evil,” she said. “As he stands up for his faith, how are we, as his country, standing up for him? I’m heartbroken that we continue to negotiate with Iran as they are holding one of our own, an American pastor, captive.”

“He stood up for his faith because he believes Jesus Christ is the son of God and he came on this Earth and died on the cross and paid for our sin. He learned that truth as a Muslim and discovered the love of God. That transformed his life forever. He wanted to lay down his life for the orphans and for the hopeless.”