Iran doubled down on the death sentence of an Iranian Christian pastor who refuses to convert to Islam, despite international pressure to release the pastor.
“The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms reports that Iranian authorities’ reaffirmed a death sentence for Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani for the sole reason of his refusal to recant his Christian faith,” White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said in a statement today. This action is yet another shocking breach of Iran’s international obligations, its own constitution, and stated religious values.”
After indicting Iran for a “disregard for religious freedom,” Carney called for increased diplomatic pressure on Iran to release Nadarkhani. “The United States renews its calls for people of conscience and governments around the world to reach out to Iranian authorities and demand Pastor Nadarkhani’s immediate release,” he said.
The Jerusalem Post reports that Iranian courts issued an order that Nadarkhani be hanged.
