Iran: Protestant pastor acquitted of apostasy charges

September 10, 2012

The Iranian Protestant pastor whose 2010 death sentence on charges of apostasy was not carried out following an international outcry has been released following a new trial.

Youcef Nadarkhani, now 33, converted from Islam at the age of 19. In 2011, Iran’s Supreme Court ruled that charges against Nadarkhani could be dropped if he reverted to Islam. At the new trial, Nadarkhani was acquitted on apostasy charges but sentenced to three years in prison on charges of proselytizing Muslims. He was released, however, because he has served three years’ prison time.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Iran: Pastor Nadarkhani released, acquitted of apostasy (Christian Solidarity Worldwide)
• New trial for Iranian pastor sentenced to death for apostasy (CWN, 8/20/12)