Iran: Pastor Nadarkhani Released, Acquitted Of Apostasy

He thanks everyone who supported and prayed for him

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

IRAN (ANS) -- ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net) has confirmed that Youcef Nadarkhani, the Church of Iran pastor sentenced to death for apostasy, has been released and is now at home with his family.

According to reliable sources, including Christian Solidarity Worldwide (www.csw.org.uk) and Present Truth Ministries (www.presenttruthmn.com), Pastor Nadarkhani was acquitted of apostasy, but found guilty of evangelizing Muslims during court proceedings that took place today (Saturday, September 8, 2012).

He was sentenced to three years imprisonment for the latter charge, but released because he had already served this time.

Pastor Nadarkhani was arrested in his home city of Rasht in 2009 soon after questioning the Muslim monopoly of religious instruction for children, which he felt was unconstitutional. He was sentenced to death for apostasy in 2010, a decision that was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2011. Although the Iranian penal code did not specify death for apostasy, a constitutional loophole allowed judges to refer to Sharia law and authoritative fatwas to justify such a sentence. Today the pastor had been expected to face new charges for unspecified crimes, but was instead released.

CSW’s Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas said, “CSW is delighted to learn of Pastor Nadarkhani's release after a long incarceration. We commend the Iranian judiciary for this step, which is a triumph for justice and the rule of law. While we rejoice at this wonderful news, we do not forget hundreds of others who are harassed or unjustly detained on account of their faith, and CSW is committed to continue campaigning until all of Iran's religious minorities are able to enjoy religious freedom as guaranteed under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is party.”

Jason DeMars of Present Truth Ministries, “We give thanks to God for his deliverance and the answer to our prayers. Our sources in Iran have informed us that Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has been acquitted of apostasy and found guilty of evangelizing Muslims. He has been sentenced to 3 years in prison which he has already served.

“He has been released from prison and has now been reunited with his family and is at home with them.”

DeMars added that Pastor Youcef had said, “Thank you to everyone that has supported me with your prayers.”

“We are filled with joy from this news and are so grateful that God has delivered our brother,” said DeMars.

“Please don’t forget what happened to Pastor Mehdi Dibaj who had his apostasy charges reversed and then was murdered shortly after his release. Pray for him, his family and everyone involved in his case.”

Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani to Face New Charges in Iran

A Source Says That ‘Banditry and Extortion’ Will Replace ‘Apostasy’ Charge

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries
ASSIST News Service (ANS)

IRAN (ANS) -- A 35-year-old Christian pastor, who has spent nearly three years behind bars in Iran and has been sentenced to death for refusing to renounce his faith, has been ordered to appear in court next month, where he is expected to face new charges.

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani faces new charges

According to the Farsi Christian News Network (www.fcnn.com) the charges of “banditry and extortion” will replace “apostasy” for Youcef Nadarkhani.

“The new leveled charges raise concern that following widespread international criticism about the ruling issued for Mr. Nadarkhani, Iranian authorities wish to influence the case process by bringing up arbitrary charges. The new trial adds to these concerns,” said a spokesperson for FCCN.

The news service went on to quote the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, which said that Pastor Youcef will be put on a new trial on Monday, August 27.

Nadarkhani, who refused to repent from being a Christian in earlier judicial proceedings and faces a death sentence, is now facing these new charges of “banditry and extortion.”

The Christian pastor’s earlier charges were “apostasy” and “converting to Christianity,” but the new charges of “banditry and extortion” were first mentioned last year on the Farsi News Agency (http://english.farsnews.com).

FCCN said that a source close to the case of Youcef Nadarkhani “who wishes to remain anonymous on security grounds” told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that, “Mr. Nadarkhani’s ‘banditry’ charges are fundamentally meaningless; he is not a thief or a bandit. This is a new accusation leveled against him for unknown reasons.”

Youcef Nadarkhani was born to Muslim parents and converted to Christianity at the age of 19.

Nadarkhani’s death sentence on charges of apostasy was upheld by Branch 11 of Gilan Province’s Appeals Court on August 23, 2010. On June 28, 2011, Iran’s Supreme Court overturned the ruling, but made the decision conditional on Nadarkhani’s repentance. There were three court sessions between September 25 and September 28, 2011 in which Youcef Nadarkhani was asked to repent and he refused. Nadarkhani is currently in detention inside Rasht Prison.

On September 30, 2011, the charge of “extortion” was mentioned for the first time on an Iranian website in a news article about Nadarkhani. The article claimed that Youcef Nadarkhani is accused of rape and repeated extortion. “Youcef Nadarkhani has [committed] security crimes and had set up a house of corruption. This individual is a criminal and his crime is not inviting some to the religion of Christianity, but he has security crimes. Nadarkhani’s death sentence has been issued for security crimes,” it quoted Gholamali Rezvani, Deputy Governor of Gilan for Security.

Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, Nadarkhani’s lawyer, told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran at the time, “If he is under trial in another court on other charges, I am not aware. But we only defended him against the death sentence in the case of his charge of apostasy. The charge the court staff announced that I defended during several different court sessions was apostasy and no other charge.”

“The new leveled charges raise concern that following widespread international criticism about the ruling issued for Mr. Nadarkhani, Iranian authorities wish to influence the case process by bringing up arbitrary charges. The new trial adds to these concerns,” said the FCCN spokesperson.

In his interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran today, the source referred to evidence in Youcef Nadarkhani’s case. “In his defense documents, there is a hand-written letter from the late Grand Ayatollah Montazeri, in which he explicitly wrote about Youcef Nadarkhani that he “must not be executed”. His lawyer, Mr. Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, presented this note as evidence in the case, as well as other legal reasoning why he should not be executed,” said the source.

“We are sure that Youcef Nadarkhani will be exonerated and released, because so far as we have seen, even the Chief Justice does not believe in his execution, and it is only the Judge who keeps insisting on it,” the source told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.

Iranian Court to Issue Apostasy Sentence Decision in One Month if the Ayatollah Does Not Respond

Nadarknani Verdict Expected in Mid-December, But May Be Delayed Until Christmas 


By Michael Ireland
Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

RASHT, IRAN (ANS) -- Sources close to the Yousef Nadarkhani apostasy case have informed Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) www.csw.co.uk that Pastor Nadarkhani’s lawyers have been told to expect a decision from the Supreme Leader in mid-December, occasioning fears that it may be issued to coincide with the Christmas season in order to avoid an international outcry.

Pastor Youcef and his wife. (Photo courteys of Present Truth Ministries).

CSW says the court in Rasht has sent two letters regarding the case to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, but is still awaiting a response.

According to CSW, other members of Pastor Nadarkhani’s denomination are also facing difficulties.

CSW has been informed that the Revolutionary Court in Shiraz has asked three Church of Iran members to surrender themselves to the authorities to begin prison sentences.

Pastor Behrouz Sadegh-Khanjani, Mr. Mohammad Beliad and his wife Nazly Beliad were part of a larger a group that is due to serve one year sentences for ‘crimes against the order’ following an unsuccessful appeal earlier this year. 

PastorKhanjani is also known to have been tortured during a previous imprisonment in Shiraz. Their lawyer has advised them not to present themselves until a written request has been issued.

Pastor Benham Irani of the Church of Iran is currently serving a five year sentence, whilst Farshid Fathi Malayeri, who belongs to a different denomination, remains detained without charge nearly eleven months after his arrest.

Church leader Noorollah Ghabitizadeh, who was arrested on Christmas Eve in 2010, is still being held in Ahwaz and, according to Mohabat News, has been verbally informed he may receive a death sentence. Like Pastor Nadarkhani, he too has been asked to recant his faith.

CSW’s Team Leader for Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa, Dr Khataza Gondwe, said, “It is worrying that the Supreme Leader has delayed a decision on Pastor Nadarkhani’s case, leaving the pastor and his family in a distressing state of limbo. We continue to urge a swift decision, and to call for a full acquittal and release, since the verdict is in violation of Iranian law, and of the spirit of article 23 of the Iranian constitution.

“The Supreme Leader now has an opportunity to demonstrate Iran’s commitment to work within its own civil law code, where apostasy is not a codified crime, and its obligations as a signatory of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which allows for freedom of religion and belief. The international community must remain vigilant in order to ensure that the Iranian authorities cannot use a hiatus to issue a negative ruling. Iran must also be urged to cease the detention of individuals without charge, and to uphold the rights and freedoms of members of minority faiths.”

Jason DeMars of Present Truth Ministries www.presenttruthmn.com says Pastor Nadarkhani remains in Lakan Prison in Iran’s Gilan Province.

“He continues to stand strong in his faith and remains in good spirits and health,” DeMars told ANS.

DeMars said the 11th circuit court in Gilan is awaiting a response to their two letters that were written to the supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khameini.

“One of Youcef’s attorneys stated that the court will wait for one month for a response. If they do not have it, they will issue a ruling sometime in mid-December,” he said.

Continue to pray for brother Youcef, that God would sustain him and give him courage and boldness to testify to those around him, “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:18-20).

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organization working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact the Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663

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** Michael Ireland is Senior Correspondent for ANS. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International where you can make a donation online under 'Donate' tab, then look for 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' under 'Donation Category' to support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism.' Michael is a member in good standing of the National Writers Union, Society of Professional Journalists, Religion Newswriters Association, Evangelical Press Association and International Press Association. If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Senior Reporter

ASSIST News Service Receives Unofficial Translation of Verdict in Youcef Nadarkhani’s Apostasy Case

By Michael Ireland
Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

RASHT, IRAN (ANS) -- An unofficial translation of the written verdict, delivered by the Iranian Supreme Court, in the apostasy case against Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, has now been made available to ASSIST News Service (ANS).

Jason Demars, of Present Truth Ministries (www.presenttruthmn.com  ) says there are some very significant points included in the translation obtained by his ministry, which has been monitoring Nadarkhani’s case.

“I want you to note that they include the denial of the 12th imam as one of his sins. Also, as we stated previously, if it is discovered that he was a practicing Muslim prior to becoming a Christian he must recant or else be executed by hanging,” DeMars told ANS.

Pastor Nadarkhani and his wife(Photo courtesy Present Truth Ministries). Dan: Breaking News?

He added: “Youcef was not a practicing Muslim from age 15 to 19. He was born into a Muslim family and did not truly embrace any religion prior to coming to Jesus Christ.

“We ask that you pray for him and his enemies, seek God’s deliverance for him. I also request you continue to write a letter to brother Youcef and take immediate action for brother Youcef.”

The unofficial translation of the Iranian Supreme Court’s written verdict is as follows:

“In the name of Allah

“To the lawyers of the accused (defendant)

“To the local court

“To the state court of Gilan Section 11

“December 5, 2010

“Issued by section 27 Supreme Court Judge Morteza Fazel and Azizoallah Razaghi

“Mr. Youcef Nadarkhani, son of Byrom, 32 years old, married, born in Rasht in the state of Gilan is convicted of turning his back on Islam, the greatest religion the prophesy of Mohammad, at the age of 19.

“He has often participated in Christian worship and organized home church services, evangelizing and has been baptized and baptized others, converting Muslims to Christianity. He has been accused of breaking Islamic Law that from puberty (15 years according to Islamic law) until the age of 19 the year 1996, he was raised a Muslim in a Muslim home. During court trials, he denied the prophecy of Mohammad and the authority of Islam. He has stated that he is a Christian and no longer Muslim.

“During many sessions in court with the presence of his attorney and a judge, he has been sentenced to execution by hanging according to article 8 of Tahrir -olvasileh (one of Khomeni’s books about Sharia Law and Khamenie’s and Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi’s fatwa) His sentence was appealed by his attorney and sent to the Supreme Court.

“The Supreme Court’s Response

“In the name of Allah

“June 12, 2011

This subpoena states:

“We know that Mr. Nadarkhani has confessed that in his heart and in his actions he has denied being Muslim and converted to Christianity and have advertised and encouraged other Muslims to convert to Christianity. And because of advertising and pastoring a church repeatedly professed his Christian faith and denied the prophet Mohammad and the 12th Imam and denied the entire Koran and truth of the Koran

.

“His case was forwarded to the Supreme Court (Judge Fazel) and

“According to Part 2 of article 265 of the Islamic Republic Criminal Law, this case received by and must be returned the state court of Gilan Section 11, and further investigated to prove that from puberty (15 years) to 19 he was not Muslim by his acquaintances, relatives, local elders, and Muslims he frequented. He must repent his Christian faith if this is the case. No research has been done to prove this, if it can be proved that he was a practicing Muslim as an adult and has not repented, the execution will be carried out.

“Signed by Morteza Fazeli and Azizollah Razaghi.”

DeMars said: “The situation is quite critical at this time. It appears that the lower court will do a re-examination of the case sometime this fall. They will interview relatives and try to determine according to their judgment whether or not Youcef was a practicing Muslim from age 15 to 19.

“I'm certain if he ever went to the Mosque or went through any Islamic rituals it will be used against him. Our greatest weapon is prayer.”

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** Michael Ireland is Senior Correspondent for ANS. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International where you can donate online to support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism.' If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Senior Reporter

Iranian Supreme Court Written Verdict Delivered in Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani's Death Sentence

By Michael Ireland
Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

RASHT, IRAN (ANS) -- ASSIST News Service has learned that the written ruling from the Iranian Supreme Court has finally been delivered to Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani's attorney.

According to Jason DeMars of Present Truth Ministries

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani (Photo courtesy Present Truth Ministries)

(www.presenttruthmn.com ) this ruling is in response to the appeal lodged against the death sentence delivered by a lower court on charges of apostasy.

He told ANS: "We have not seen a translation yet, but Iranian sources are telling us that it does not annul the death sentence. According to one source the Supreme Court has agreed with the verdict 'as it is based on fatwas of Ayatollahs Khomeiny, Khamenei and Makarem Shirazi.'"

DeMars explained that a fatwa is a ruling concerning Islamic law. He stated that Ayatollah Khomeiny was the first Supreme leader of Iran, and is considered the father of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei is the current supreme leader, while Ayatollah Shirazi is one of the most influential religious teachers in Iran.

DeMars went on to say: "The source revealed, 'While agreeing with the death sentence, the Supreme Court pointed out procedural flaws and is asking the lower court to re-examine the case. This is the only binding point of the ruling.'"

He added: "It has been asked, 'Is there a guarantee that Youcef will not be executed between now and the time of the re-examination?' According to one Iranian source it seems there is no such guarantee."

DeMars continued: "It appears that although the written ruling upholds the death sentence, the judges would like clarification from the lower court that Brother Youcef truly was a Muslim prior to becoming a Christian. If he was, and does not recant, then he must be executed. However if he was not, the verdict of the lower court is not appropriate for this case."

Demars further stated that according to the written verdict of the lower court, Youcef said that he never really believed or genuinely practiced Islam.
"He says he was simply born into a Muslim family but did not accept it himself," DeMars said.

"Despite this statement the death sentence was still applied. After re-examing this point the judges in Rasht have the freedom to decide to (either) execute him, release him, or to hold another trial.

"At this point, the most likely outcome appears to be a re-trial later this year, perhaps in the fall. It is important to remember that the Supreme Court did not annul the verdict that was based upon the fatwas of the Supreme Leader. Brother Youcef remains under the death sentence at this time."

DeMars stated that he wanted believers around the world to know  "how encouraged we are at Present Truth Ministries by the developments in Iran.

"We believe we are beginning to see the answers to your prayers on behalf of our Brother and his family. We know that the Devil walks about as a roaring lion, seeking who he can devour. Resist him in the faith, and stand before the Lord for brother Youcef. Keep writing letters, speaking to your elected officials and the representatives of Iran in your country.

"Most importantly, keep bringing your requests to God, for He is able to do far more than we can even ask or think."

Michael Ireland is Senior Correspondent for ANS. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International where you can donate online to support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism.' If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Senior Reporter