Breaking: Death Sentence Still Imminent for Iranian Christian Pastor
- Religion Today
- Updated Sep 30, 2011
![Breaking: Death Sentence Still Imminent for Iranian Christian Pastor](https://i.swncdn.com/media/700w/crosswalk/resource/areas/crosswalk/resources/images/defaultimages/article-large-landscape.png)
The American Center for Law and Justice suspects Iran is spreading false information about the case of Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, who faces execution for refusing to recant his Christian faith in court. Last night, the ACLJ reported receiving an update from a source in Iran that Nadarkhani’s death sentence might be overturned, but this morning Nadarkhani’s attorney, Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, firmly denied the rumor. Dadkhah believes it is a lie spread by the Iranian secret service, even to members of Nadarkhani’s own family, to stop the media from reporting on the case. Attempts to stifle the media are common in Iran, the ACLJ says. Pastor Firouz Sadegh-Khandjani, a close friend of Nadarkhani’s and a member of the council of elders for the Church of Iran, said, “Until we have official notification we must be cautious,” adding that it is imperative to keep up the pressure on the court to spare Nadarkhani’s life until a formal verdict is announced.