Iranian Pastor to be executed

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The Armenian Orthodox Vank cathedral of Isfaha...Image via WikipediaChristians in Iran have challenged news reports that the death penalty for pastor Yousef Nadarkhani has been annulled, saying that in reality the country's supreme court appears to have added a precondition requiring him to renounce his faith or face execution.

"There has still been no written confirmation of the court's decision on Pastor Nadarkhani's appeal against a death sentence for apostasy, despite efforts to source this," according to a July 5 statement from Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a human rights organization.

Nadarkhani was arrested in October 2009 while attempting to register his church. His arrest is believed to have been due to his questioning of the Muslim monopoly on the religious instruction of children in Iran, the CSW statement said. He initially was charged with protesting; however, the charges against him were later changed to apostasy and evangelizing Muslims. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Pastor Nadarkhani, Mr Dadkhah and their families at this uncertain time," said Andrew Johnston, advocacy director for Christian Solidarity Worldwide. "CSW is gravely concerned about the judicial process in Pastor Nadarkhani's case and the precondition to recant his faith.

Johnston said CSW is again urging "the Iranian regime to respect the stipulations of international treaties to which it is party, including the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees freedom of religion and freedom to change one's religion or belief.... The international community must act urgently to press Iran to ensure ... that Pastor Nadarkhani in particular is acquitted of a charge that is not in fact recognized under Iranian civil law."
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