CNS News - Nadarkhani Freed Again, But Other Iranian Christians Languish Behind Bars

By Patrick Goodenough, CNSNews.com

Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani’s long battle with the Islamic Republic’s legal authorities took another turn Monday when they released him from prison, 14 days after arresting him on Christmas Day to serve the rest of a three-year sentence for “evangelizing Muslims.”

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) confirmed that Nadarkhani was released from prison near Rasht, his home city in Iran’s northern Gilan province, early Monday afternoon. The father of two young children had earlier spent more than 1,000 days incarcerated there, sentenced to death for “apostasy.”. . .

ACLJ executive director Jordan Sekulow on Monday welcomed “his release from this unjust and illegal imprisonment. Iran must not be allowed to persecute individuals because of their faith.” “Pastor Youcef’s release is a direct result of people across the world standing up and demanding his freedom,” Sekulow said. “Iran is watching and responds to immense international pressure. We must continue to demand that Iran stop abusing and persecuting Christians and those willing to defend human rights.”. . .

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