Brazilian Senator Takes Action for Pastor Youcef’s Attorney
Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani’s Iranian attorney continues to face an impending prison sentence in Iran. However, there are new international efforts to aid the Iranian human rights attorney and his persecuted client.
Mahammad Ali Dadkhah has been valiantly fighting for Pastor Youcef’s release through Iran’s judicial system. He was convicted for representing the persecuted in Iran and faces a lengthy prison sentence and disbarment from practicing law that would render Pastor Youcef without adequate legal representation.
This week, the ACLJ’s new Director of Operations in Brazil, Filipe Coelho, met with Brazilian Senator Magno Malta and others to urge diplomatic efforts on Dadkhah’s behalf.
[I] met with Senator Magno Malta and Pr Everaldo Pereira, President of the PSC to address issues such as Religious Freedom and the case of Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani who is trapped in Iran, convicted and sentenced to death [because of his Christian faith]. He introduced the case of Mohammad Ali Dadkhah to Senator Malta who has been in touch with the Ambassador of Iran about Nadarkhani's situation. Senator Malta said he was not aware of Dadkhah and he immediately asked his office to call the Embassy of Iran and set up a meeting for Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.
Senator Malta has been a significant influence in the Brazilian government, urging action on Pastor Youcef’s behalf. Jordan Sekulow, ACLJ Executive Director, met with Senator Malta earlier this year and provided him with Pastor Youcef’s verdict, translated into Portuguese.
Senator Malta has already taken action on Pastor Youcef’s behalf, meeting with Iran’s Ambassador to Brazil. We are hopeful that next week’s meeting with Iran’s Ambassador will be beneficial for both Pastor Youcef and his brave attorney.