For Immediate Release
You are free to disseminate the following news. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address www.www.persecution.org.
CHRISTIAN, BRIAN OCONNOR, RELEASED BY SAUDI ARABIA AFTER INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY EFFORT
(Nov. 1, 2004 10:00 a.m. EST) – The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC– www.www.persecution.org) was informed over the weekend that our advocacy efforts on behalf of Brian OConnor have paid off. OConnor has been released by Saudi officials and will fly out to Bombay in just a few hours.
ICC originally broke the story on Brians arrest and subsequent torture by the Saudi Muttawa (religious police) in March 04. After his torture by the Muttawa in a Mosque he was taken to the police. He was jailed and charged with selling alcohol possession of Bibles and pornography. This is typical in cases of religious persecution in Saudi where they do not wish to bring attention to their zero-tolerance policy towards other religions.
Brians release highlights the power of advocacy and we thank all the individuals that made calls on his behalf to the Saudi embassy and to members of Congress.
ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC delivers humanitarian aid, trains and supports persecuted pastors, raises awareness in the US regarding the problem of persecution, and is an advocate for the persecuted on Capitol Hill and the State Department. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.
