Pastor Nadarkhani verdict expected in mid–December
Latest reports from sources close to Pastor Nadarkhani’s case informed Christian Solidarity Worldwide that Pastor Nadarkhani’s lawyers have been told to expect a decision from the Supreme Leader in mid–December.
CSW learned this week that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, is expected to make a decision on Pastor Nadarkhani’s case in mid–December, raising fears that it may be issued to coincide with the Christmas season in order to avoid an international outcry. The court in Rasht has sent two letters about the case to the Supreme Leader, but is still awaiting a response.
Pastor Nadarkhani of the evangelical Church of Iran denomination was arrested in his home city of Rasht in 2009 while attempting to register his church. In September 2010 he was tried and found guilty of apostasy (abandoning Islam), and was sentenced to death. His case was eventually referred to Iran’s Supreme Leader, the ultimate political and religious authority in the country, after international pressure mounted on his behalf.
Pastor Nadarkhani was recently presented with Islamic literature in prison and told to read it, which he was advised not to do. So far, he has not been questioned concerning the literature.
CSW continues to call for international vigilance and a swift decision
Commenting on the latest developments in Pastor Nadarkhani’s case, CSW Team Leader for Africa and the Middle East, Dr Khataza Gondwe, raised concerns over a delayed decision and urged for a swift one, requesting a full acquittal and release, since the verdict is in violation of Iranian law. Dr Gondwe said, “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”, and urged the international community to “remain vigilant in order to ensure that the Iranian authorities cannot use a hiatus to issue a negative ruling.”
CSW’s urgent campaign for Pastor Nadarkhani continues – find out more at: www.csw.org.uk/Nadarkhani.