Pastor Saeed Abedini and wife Naghmeh announce their divorce

American-Iranian pastor Saeed Abedini and his wife Naghmeh recently made separate announcements about their impending separation.

Naghmeh, who campaigned for the release of her husband from an Iranian prison, announced on Facebook last Tuesday that her husband has filed for a divorce.

"It is with a heavy and broken heart that I inform all of you who have prayed and wept with our family the last few years, that Saeed has rejected counseling for anger and abuse and has filed for a divorce," she wrote. "There will be a time to share more fully, but for now, we appreciate your prayers," she continued.

Abedini released his own statement about the issue on Wednesday.

"My heart is deeply saddened to be sharing the news that Naghmeh and I will be divorcing," the pastor wrote. "She has been my wife of 12 years and she will always be the wonderful mother to our amazing children," he added.

Abedini highlighted the trauma he and his family experienced while he was imprisoned. He stated that he decided that the only way for them to recover from the trauma is to be apart.

He assured his followers that the situation would not diminish his commitment to preach the gospel or his resolve to fight against the human rights abuses committed by the Iranian government.

Abedini was freed from an Iranian prison last January after being incarcerated for more than three years. Naghmeh filed for legal separation on the same day he arrived in Boise, Idaho. She previously stated that her husband was abusive and addicted to pornography.

In a statement issued last February, Abedini stated that much of what Nagmeh revealed to the media was not true although he did not provide any details. 

According to the Idaho Statesman, Abedini pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of domestic assault back in 2007. It was revealed that he had shoved his wife several times during an argument. He was arrested earlier this year for violating a restraining order.