The American Center for Law and Justice announced Saturday that American Pastor Saeed Abedini of Boise and other Americans held captive in Iran have been released.

Abedini -- a U.S. citizen who has been imprisoned in Iran for more than three years -- was freed along with other Americans, said an ACLJ news releases, citing government sources.

“We’re delighted this day has finally arrived,” said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the ACLJ. “Pastor Saeed should never been imprisoned in the first place. He spent more than three years in an Iranian prison. We’re grateful for the millions of people who have stood with us in our ongoing efforts -- both in this country and abroad -- to secure his release. We have worked and prayed that this day would finally arrive. And now, Pastor Saeed can return home.”

The ACLJ represents the Abedini family, who lives in Boise.

“This has been an answer to prayer,” said Naghmeh Abedini after learning about her husband's release. “This is a critical time for me and my family. We look forward to Saeed's return and want to thank the millions of people who have stood with us in prayer during this most difficult time.”

The American Center for Law and Justice is headquartered in Washington, D.C.