CNN reports that the White House and the State Department have both condemned the death sentence that has been handed down by an Iranian court against Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, an Iranian Christian charged with apostasy for leaving Islam. A statement (
full text) issued by the White House press secretary yesterday reads in part:
The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms reports that Iranian authorities’ reaffirmed a death sentence for Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani for the sole reason of his refusal to recant his Christian faith. This action is yet another shocking breach of Iran’s international obligations, its own constitution, and stated religious values.
In its release (
full text), the State Department, calling for Nadarkhani's immediate release, said in part:
The United States is deeply concerned by reports that a provincial court has renewed the execution order for Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. Mr. Nadarkhani is facing a death sentence on charges of apostasy and has refused to recant his Christian faith. Such government persecution for simply following one’s faith is common in Iran, where followers of many religious traditions face harsh treatment and severe violations of their religious freedom. We have also witnessed a dramatic increase in the arrest of adherents to the Baha’i Faith recently, as well as an increase in repression of freedom of expression in all forms.
