Youcef Nadarkhani, Iranian Pastor Faces Execution For Refusing To Recant His Christian Faith.
The pastor was found guilty of apostasy last year, and the conviction has been upheld by the Iranian Supreme Court. If carried out, the execution would mark the first time since 1990 that an Iranian pastor was killed for his Christian faith.
“Despite the finding that Mr. Nadarkhani did not convert to Christianity as an adult, the court continues to demand that he recant his faith or otherwise be executed,†said Leonard Leo, chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. “The most recent court proceedings are not only a sham, but are contrary to Iranian law and international human rights standards.â€
Author and megachurch pastor Rick Warren went to Twitter to ask his followers to join in protesting Nadarkhani’s possible execution.