This Is All Kinds Of Wrong of the Day: It is being reported by several international organizations that an Iranian man who allegedly converted from Islam to Christianity has been sentenced to die by hanging unless he recants his religion.
According to the reports, Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani of the Church of Iran, who was arrested in Gilan Province two years ago after complaining that his son’s school was forcing him to read from the Koran, had been given one last chance by an appeals court to renounce his Christian faith before the court made its final decision.
Nadarkhani had been charged with apostasy under the assertion that he was born a Muslim — a claim that he vehemently denies. “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 U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom chair Leonard Leo.
The White House has released a statement condemning the death sentence, saying, in part, that “Pastor Nadarkhani has done nothing more than maintain his devout faith, which is a universal right for all people.”
Speaking to the Associated Press, Attorney Mohammad Ali Dadkhah said that a ruling is expected by the end of next week, and that there is a “95 percent chance” of acquittal. The American Center for Law and Justice claims the death sentence had already been overturned.
The number of practicing Christians arrested in Iran has risen sharply as of late, with 202 arrests made between June 2010 and January 2011. If executed, Nadarkhani would become the first person put to death in Iran for apostasy since 1990.
[foxnews / cnn / ap via wapo / newstatesman.]
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