Contents tagged with religious persecution
Filed in: Iran | by Jordan Sekulow | 12:26 PM Feb. 21, 2012
Execution Orders Issued for Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani
We are hearing reports from our contacts in Iran that the execution orders for Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani may have been issued. Pastor Youcef’s situation – an innocent man convicted and sentenced to death for becoming a Christian – has not been this dire since we first brought his case to your attention last year. It is unclear whether Pastor Youcef would have a right of appeal from the execution order. We know that the head of Iran’s Judiciary, Ayatollah Sadegh... Continue Reading
Filed in: Iran | by Jordan Sekulow | 12:41 PM Feb. 20, 2012
Pastor Youcef’s Life in Imminent Danger
We have just received word from our contacts on the ground in Iran of an extremely dangerous turn of events for Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. There is an increased likelihood that the Iranian regime will execute Pastor Youcef for his faith. Pastor Youcef’s case had been stalled due to increased international pressure and the Iranian court’s request that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, decide Pastor Youcef’s fate. Now, because Pastor Youcef has continually refused ... Continue Reading
Filed in: Iran | by Matthew Clark | 6:08 PM Feb. 3, 2012
Iran Judiciary Chief: Mistake to Join Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The BBC is reporting that Iran’s Judiciary Chief, Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani – who has been involved in determining the fate of Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani – has “criticized the Universal Declaration of Human Rights” (UDHR), stating that Iran made a mistake when it signed the UDHR. Larijani defended Iran’s abysmal human rights record at the “Human Rights Forum and the Position of Iran and Islam” conference, reiterating Iranian President Ahma... Continue Reading
Filed in: Iran | by Matthew Clark | 5:13 PM Jan. 25, 2012
Pastor Youcef Still Alive But Under Increased Pressure to Recant
Sources inside Iran have reported to the ACLJ that the Chief Justice of the Gilan Provincial Court in Iran is again pressuring Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani to recant his faith in Christ. Last week the Chief Justice, in a private meeting, ordered that additional pressure be put on Pastor Youcef to recant his faith. Again, Pastor Youcef responded by refusing to deny his faith in Christ and reiterating to the Iranian authorities that he could not return to Islam because he was never a Muslim... Continue Reading
Filed in: Iran | by Matthew Clark | 4:51 PM Jan. 16, 2012
Under Increased Pressure Pastor Youcef Refuses to Recant Faith in Christ
Iran is continuing its relentless attempt to force persecuted Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani to recant his faith in Jesus Christ. New reports state that Iranian officials are still pressuring the pastor, who has been sentenced to death for his Christian faith, “to renounce his faith in Christ and accept the prophet Muhammad as his savior.” Pastor Youcef, has once again refused, remaining steadfast in his faith. Remember, Iran previously demanded on at least three separate occasi... Continue Reading
Filed in: Iran | by Tiffany Barrans | 12:37 PM Jan. 4, 2012
Youcef Nadarkhani: A Face of the Persecuted
Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has become a face of the persecuted around the world. Since 2009, the Iranian regime has imprisoned Pastor Nadarkhani under the threat of death for his faith in Jesus Christ. His story has illuminated the plight of so many others who also face persecution for their faith. A year ago today, Salmaan Taseer the Governor of Pakistan’s Punjab province was brutally murdered by his bodyguard because he publicly supported overturning Pakistan’s blasphemy law. Taseer... Continue Reading
Filed in: United Nations | by Jay Sekulow | 10:50 AM Dec. 21, 2011
Christian Persecution Takes No Holiday
This Christmas season reveals a growing danger facing Christians in many parts of the world and underscores why the international work of the American Center for Law and Justice and its international affiliates is so important. You don't need to look past the headlines - report after report of Christians facing persecution - even death - because of their faith. Of course, our work continues to keep the spotlight and pressure on Iran, which has delayed a decision regarding the fate of Christian... Continue Reading
Filed in: Middle East Turmoil | by Jay Sekulow | 1:11 PM Dec. 19, 2011
Egypt: Christians Face Growing Dangers
The images from Egypt are heartbreaking. Women being beaten, kicked and dragged through the streets. The violent response to protesters from the Egyptian military has resulted in at least the deaths of 10 people in recent days - including two children. This latest disturbing event is occurring as the votes continue to be counted in the national elections and as radical Islamists continue to gain ground. The Muslim Brotherhood is now approaching 40% of the vote in the second round of the countr... Continue Reading
Filed in: Iran | by Matthew Clark | 4:45 PM Nov. 30, 2011
International Support for Pastor Youcef Grows as Iran Threatens Churches
The situation of Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani – who remains on death row in Iran for his faith – is gaining increased international attention. The Mexican Senate is the latest international body to take a stand for Pastor Youcef, stating that it “condemns the death sentence handed down to Yousef Nadarkhani for religious reasons.” In recent weeks and months, a number of nations and international bodies have joined American leaders in calling for Pastor Youcef&rsquo... Continue Reading
Filed in: Iran | by Jordan Sekulow | 10:02 AM Nov. 10, 2011
State Department is Listening: Pastor Youcef Not Forgotten
Yesterday afternoon, a team of ACLJ attorneys met with officials from the U.S. Department of State to discuss the current situation in Iran and specifically our involvement in Pastor Nadarkhani’s case. This meeting was prompted by the State Department as a result of our relentless efforts to ensure that the diplomatic arm of the U.S. government was doing all it could to see that Pastor Youcef is released unconditionally. After repeated letters, phone calls, and a petition garnering nearly ... Continue Reading