Reverend Youssef Nadarkhani and Three Other Iranian Christians Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison
The sentence of four Iranian Christians, each condemned to ten years in prison, has been confirmed by the appeals court.
One of the condemned, Youssef Nadarkhani, is a reverend who was imprisoned nearly a decade ago. He converted to Christianity at the age of 19 and was sentenced to death in 2009 on charges of apostasy. He was asked to recant his change of faith, which he refused. He spent time in prison until finally being released in 2012. At that time, it was announced that he had been sentenced to three years, which, having been served in prison, resulted in his release.
Three others whose ten-year prison sentences were confirmed are Mohammad Reza Omidi, Yaser Maseeb Zadeh, and Saheb Fadaei, who were arrested two years ago on charges of following what has been called “Zionist Christianity” and “actions against national security.”
Reverend Nadarkhani and Omidi have been sentenced to an additional two years in prison because their church received financial assistance from the British government. Three of this group have also been sentenced to 80 lashes each for consuming alcoholic beverages during their religious services.
All four individuals are currently free on bail and may be summoned soon for execution of their sentences.
Marvin Thomas, a recognized Christian rights activist, while considering these sentences unjust and disproportionate to the charges against these four individuals, has called on the international community to pressure the Islamic Republic of Iran to comply with its legal and international obligations regarding the right to freedom of religion and belief for its citizens.
Just two days ago, a report on religious freedom was released by the United States, in which Iran was identified among countries that pressure followers of different religions and condemn them with punishments of lashing, imprisonment, and execution.
Source: Voice of America
