Release Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani from Prison and Death Row

Breaking news reports out of Iran provide that the state court of Gilan, which recently demanded that Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani recant his faith or face execution, has delayed its written decision. As we predicted last week, the judges have sent the case to the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. According to Youcef’s lawyer, Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, “the court has decided to ask the opinion of Mr. (Ali) Khamenei.” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is an Islamic jurist and the final arbiter of questions of Sharia law. In Iran, he is seen as a guardian protecting Iran.

The step to involve the most powerful leader in Iran demonstrates that Iran is feeling the pressure. Involving the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in a case before a regional court is unusual. We can be certain if the lies spread by Iran were true – that Youcef was instead convicted of rape, extortion, and Zionism – the court would not seek the advice of the Supreme Ayatollah.

Washington Post 10-10-2011

Your Excellency,

We are writing to you to express my concern about the arrest, imprisonment and scheduled execution of Youcef Nadarkhani.

Mr. Nadarkhani has been repeatedly persecuted by the Iranian authorities for his Christian religion and for his refusal to renounce his Christian faith.

I urge that while in detention, Youcef Nadarkhani be given access to his family, to his lawyer, and to any necessary medical attention. I also urge you to ensure that he is not subjected to torture or other ill-treatment. Finally, Youcef Nadarkhani is a prisoner of conscience, and I therefore call for his immediate and unconditional release.

Thank you for your attention.
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