PrisonerAlert Update: Youcef Nadarkhani

Verdict Referred to Supreme Leader

VOM contacts report that Pastor Nadarkhani's verdict has been delayed again by the court in Gilan province. The reason for the delay, according to his attorney, is that they have referred the case to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It is highly unusual for the court to ask for the legal opinion of the Supreme Leader.

Please continue to pray that Youcef will be pardoned. Pray also for his wife, family and those supporting him.

Prisoner Alert users have reported receiving a letter from the Iranian government renouncing published news about Nadarkhani's case. This is positive! Your voices have been heard and the government of Iran feels the pressure. Please continue to stand with our brother.

http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_214_profile.html

Pastor Guilty Of Being 'Zionist Traitor'

October 1, 2011
from www.hallindsey.com via Google via AFP via Fars news agency

Iranian pastor Yusef Nadarkhani should face the death penalty for being a traitorous 'Zionist' and committing 'security crimes,' not for apostasy, an Iran official said, amid a Western outcry over his sentence.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jLno1h_o5lTAgFTrDIWaMC0lCmyg?docId=CNG.ef9852b3bf30a3a9a6e5f826fa351e18.341

Prisoner Alert Update: Pastor Youcef

Youcef Still Needs Prayers
Voice of the Martyrs, July 29, 2011

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani remains in prison awaiting re-examination of his case. This is likely to take place sometime in September. Until then, it is critical that we continue to pray for him. Our contacts report that he is standing firm and strong in his faith, and is even encouraging those who are discouraged, exhorting them to trust in the Lord.

http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_214_profile.html

© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/

Prisoner Alert Update: Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani

VOM's contacts are reporting a new development in the case of Youcef Nadarkhani. His lawyer has finally received the written ruling from the (Iranian) Supreme Court. According to one source, the Supreme Court has agreed with the death sentence verdict. However, the court "pointed out procedural flaws and is asking the lower court to re-examine the case."

The judges would like clarification as to whether Youcef was truly a Muslim prior to becoming a Christian. If Youcef is determined to have been a "true" Muslim, and he does not recant his Christian faith, the death sentence will stand.

There is no guarantee Youcef will not be executed before the court re-examines the case.

Youcef’s lawyer was also sentenced on Sunday to nine years in jail and a 10-year ban on practicing law or teaching at university for "actions and propaganda against the Islamic regime."

Please continue to pray.

http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_214_profile.html

© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/

Update: Pastor Youcef

UPDATE: Death Sentence Conditionally Annulled

On Sunday, July 3, 2011, Iran's Supreme Court overturned the death sentence that a lower court had imposed on Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani.

“The Supreme Court has annulled the death sentence and sent the case back to the court in Rasht, asking the accused to repent,” said Youcef’s attorney, Mohammad Ali Dadkhah.

The court’s decision lifts Nadarkhani’s death sentence under the condition that he “repent” (recant) his Christian faith. It is unclear whether the death sentence will be re-imposed if he refuses to recant.

Also on Sunday, Nadarkhani’s attorney was sentenced to nine years in prison and has been banned for 10 years from practicing law or teaching at university because of his "actions and propaganda against the Islamic regime.”

http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_214_profile.html

© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com