Nadarkhani, born to Muslim parents..., converted to Christianity when he was 19. Later he was ordained as a minister and led a network of house churches in Iran. He was arrested in October 2009 after he lodged a protest with local education officials after learning his child was being forced to read from the Quran.... He was charged with apostasy and convicted in a provincial court -- which sentenced him to death. He appealed.... The case made its way to the Supreme Court, which said Nadarkhani's sentence could be overturned if he recanted. The 34-year-old pastor has refused.(See prior related posting.)
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
U.S. Again Protests Iran's Imprisonment of Christian Pastor
On Monday, the U.S. State Department again issued a statement protesting Iran's continued imprisonment of Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani who, it says, still faces the threat of execution for simply following his faith. Monday marked the 1000th day of Nardkhani's imprisonment. CNN, which reports that Nardkhanis' next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8, explains the background:
