Iranian Pastor Set to Face Execution

Freedom House strongly condemns the court decision to uphold a death sentence for Iranian pastor Yousef Nadarkhani after he refused to renounce his Christian faith, and joins the White House and US State Department in calling for his immediate release. The Iranian government must end its persecution of religious minority groups and allow them to practice their faiths freely. Nadarkhani was arrested in October 2009 after being accused of “apostasy.”  A lower court sentenced him to death in November 2010, but he appealed his sentence and took his case to the Iranian Supreme Court. In June 2011, the Iranian Supreme Court sent the case back to a lower court for investigation, and said Nadarkhani could avoid execution if he renounced his faith, but he refused.   As a member of the Evangelical Church, he held services in his home where he baptized himself and others.

The situation for religious minorities in Iran and ongoing violations of international law are cause for concern. Despite the fact that Iran’s constitution recognizes Christianity as a “protected” minority religion, religious freedom is limited in Iran.  The population is primarily Shiite Muslim but includes Sunni Muslim, Baha’i, Christian, Jewish, and Zoroastrian minorities. Minority religious groups have faced government hostility since the 2009 elections. “Moharebeh,” or committing a religious offense, is not included in the penal code but punishable by death. Senior officials have publicly stated the need to combat the “false beliefs” of religions including Christianity, Sufism and Baha’ism. The Church is a frequent target of the Iranian government. In December 2010 and January 2011, forces arrested 70 Christians affiliated with evangelical churches. In September 2011, an appeals court upheld the prison sentences for members of the Church of Iran after they were convicted for “proselytizing” and distributing anti-state “propaganda.” The Baha’i community in Iran has also faced ongoing persecution and discrimination. Hundreds of Baha’i were arrested and persecuted earlier this year for participating in a secret Baha’i university after they were denied admission to Iranian universities.

Learn more:
White House Statement
Freedom in the World 2011: Iran
Freedom of the Press 2011: Iran
Freedom on the Net 2011: Iran