Iran upholds a “choose Islam or die” verdict for a Christian pastor. US is "outraged."
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Published: 25/07/11, 1:13 PM
Nadarkhani
Arutz Sheva: Christian World News
The United States is “outraged” at Iran’s decision to uphold a court’s “choose Islam or die” verdict for a Christian pastor. The verdict was upheld although Iran officially grants Christians freedom of religion.
Yousef Nadarkhani, 32, was sentenced to death by hanging after his arrest nearly two years ago for objecting to Islamic education for Christian children.He was arrested in October 2009 for apostasy because he objected to the teaching of Islam to Christian children at Iranian schools.
He was sentenced to death by hanging late last year, a verdict that he appealed to Iran's Supreme Court.
His lawyers’ appeal to cancel the verdict was thought to have been successful, but Christian websites have reported that he will be questioned again to state whether he is a Muslim, in which case he will be released, or a Christian, a statement that would lead to his execution.
"While Iran's leaders hypocritically claim to promote tolerance, they continue to detain, imprison, harass, and abuse those who simply wish to worship the faith of their choosing," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said. Read the rest on: Arutz7
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