Sen. Crapo Asks if Enough is Being Done to Release Boise Pastor

BOISE, Idaho (KTVB) -- Senator Mike Crapo is putting pressure on the U.S. State Department, calling for assurance that everything possible is being done to get  Boise pastor, Saeed Abedini released from an Iranian Prison.

While attending a meeting of the Banking Committee on sanctions against Iran, Crapo asked for specifics on what's being done to obtain Abedini's release, as well as the release of two other American men being held in Iran.

In Tuesday's meeting, U.S. Department of State Political Affairs diplomat Wendy Sherman addressed Crapo's questions saying, "We will continue to pursue this in every way that we possibly can, through every channel that we possibly can to gain his release." "Well, thank you very much. And I will continue to work with you to get further briefings on that. I appreciate your attention to it, and your assurance," said Crapo in response.

Saeed Abedini was sentenced to eight years on a charge the Iranian government describes as, 'threatening national security.' But Saeed's family says he's being punished because of his work to set up Christian churches in Iran.