Faith

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei to Decide Iranian Pastor’s Fate

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei Will Sentence Iranian PastorIranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani’s fate still hangs in the balance (click here to read past coverage). With the finish line not yet in sight, the Iranian courts have decided to place judgement in the hands of the nation’s top leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

Multiple sources, including the Blaze, reported last week that the ruling on the pastor’s life would likely be made today. In a sense, the Iranian government met this timeline, although the decision the court came to was anything but finite. Rather than officially settling on the charges that are to be waged against the Christian pastor (so far the rumored charges stem from apostasy to the illegal operation of a brothel), the court decided to defer its decision to Khamenei.

This option, which is extremely rare, may show that the Iranian government is keenly aware of the international attention the case has caught. ACLJ executive director Jordan Sekulow writes:

The step to involve the most powerful leader in Iran demonstrates that Iran is feeling the pressure. Involving the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in a case before a regional court is unusual. We can be certain if the lies spread by Iran were true – that Youcef was instead convicted of rape, extortion, and Zionism – the court would not seek the advice of the Supreme Ayatollah.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei Will Sentence Iranian Pastor

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

News of this intriguing development comes from Nadarkhani’s lawyer, Mohammad Ali Dadkhah. Sekulow describes Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei as “an Islamic jurist and the final arbiter of questions of Shariah law.” The government (and likely many of the people) view him as a guardian who is protecting the nation.

“Based on these reports, Pastor Youcef is alive and we have reached the highest level of Iranian government,” Sekulow said earlier today. “I don‘t believe this would’ve ever reached the level of Khamenei without the media attention and outpouring of support we’ve seen.”

Even if his ruling is favorable to Nadarkhani, there’s no telling how long it will take before he is released. However, if Khamenei offers a judgement that is not palatable, hope may be lost. The ACLJ, among other advocates, is encouraging Americans to continue to put pressure on Iran by contacting members of Congress, signing a petition that the group has drafted and by encouraging media to cover the case. FOX News has more about how these efforts have been paying off:

As of Friday, at least 39 members of Congress had signed a letter calling on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to put pressure on Iranian authorities to release Nadarkhani, who, according to reports last week from Iranian state-funded Press TV, is now considered a security threat and previously operated a brothel.

Now that the call for Khamenei’s opinion has been made, there’s no discerning what the exact timeline for a verdict will be.

Comments (64)

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  • MUDFLAPS
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:35pm

    I ah tolla u

    Report Post »  
    • Grey Eagle
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:04pm

      If this pastor is not released after the inventions of other governments, then it will show Iran to be nothing but a country of religious fanatics and butchers.

      Report Post »  
    • DanWesson455
      Posted on October 11, 2011 at 11:42am

      He’s Screwed, big time.

      Report Post » DanWesson455  
    • riverdog1
      Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:44pm

      this ayatollah must be you alls idea of a hero. theocracy and can hand down death to people that don’t see things his/your way. just like you all have been posting here.

      Report Post »  
  • louise
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 7:58pm

    Look at this man. This is what standing in Truth looks like.

    Report Post » louise  
    • waggie
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:36pm

      God bless this man. May He give us the grace to do the same when the time comes.

      Report Post » waggie  
    • SlimnRanger
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 10:45pm

      Before we all fall asleep tonight lets lift this pastor up in prayer and his family,but if his life is to be taken he will surley take his next breath in Heaven

      Report Post »  
  • Tom21773
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 7:31pm

    Go ahead MORON! Execute him and make him a martyr! What a bunch of idiots. They’re almost as stupid as BO.

    Report Post »  
  • ISRAEL777
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 7:03pm

    , which by the way sayes his thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and his ways are higher than our ways. So please do not speak for Jesus unless you are spreading his gospel or backing up his people who have followed suit with his Word.

    I apologize if this came across harsh in any way, I am not attacking you personally, but we have to correct each other and not despise being corrected. I will be the first to tell you I do not have it all together, because believe me I don’t. we have to represent Jesus in the way he ask us to, giving him all praise honor and glory throwing self preservation out of the window when we need to……he who finds his life shall lose it and he who loses his life shall find it……also in His Word.

    I pray we never face these types of trials and tribulations here in America, but if we do please understand Jesus is not okay with us denying our faith to survive, we should all try the best we can to prepare ourselves for the day we may be given the same ultimatum Youcef is faced with in Iran.

    Again, please do not take this as a personal attack, however your statement needed to be corrected.

    May God bless Youcef and his family!

    Report Post » ISRAEL777  
  • ISRAEL777
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 7:03pm

    Mountain climber Jim:

    Matthew 10:32-33- whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my father which is in heaven. But whosever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my father which is in heaven.
    -Jesus

    Mark 16: 15- and He (Jesus) said unto them go ye into ALL the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

    So it would seem Mr. Youcef is doing just what his heavenly father has recquired of him and is being persecuted for it, just like Jesus said we would be persecuted for his name sake. As a matter of fact He sayes in Luke 21 while speaking of the end times….but before all these, they shall lay hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before Kings and rulers for my names sake, and it shall turn to you for testimony, settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what you shall answer, for I (Jesus) will give you a mouth and wisdom (through the Holy Spirit), which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay or resist. (just as he has and will with Youcef).

    Mountain climber, if you say you are Christian, which I pray you truly are and that I can call you brother, please please, please do use your head and figure out what a Christian truly is before you spew false christian doctrine. when you say “I think he expects us to use our heads” this is true, but you are using it in a terrible context…..He wants us to use His Word (the

    Report Post » ISRAEL777  
  • Mary M. Tebbe
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 6:56pm

    Those that initially came to Islam during Mohammed’s day came at the end of the sword, and it seems that nothing has changed. Satan is a hard taskmaster. There is no compromise with satan and his worshipers. They are barbarous, harsh, and cruel.
    The mullah’s are AFRAID of Christianity, because they know that if the people were taught the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they would leave the mosques in droves. Once a muslim has converted to Christianity and come into the Kingdom of God, they cannot turn back into the kingdom of darkness and worship a false god again…they cannot recant. Truth sets a man free, and no matter if satan and his worshipers kill the body, they cannot touch the soul of the Christian that has been touched by the Power of God and His Christ. Youcef Nadarkhani is in God’s hands. God is using him to draw attention to the uncivilized practices of Islam, and discrediting Islam all over the world. Youcef, and all muslims that have converted to Christianity should be allowed to worship who they please, and as they please. A man/woman should be able to choose the destiny of their own soul, without being forced to follow a person or religion that they do not believe in.
    We here in America must guard our freedoms well, or we could meet the same fate.

    Report Post » Mary M. Tebbe  
  • TemayElbor
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 6:11pm

    “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The coming decision of Khamaeni will measure how corrupt or how just Iran’s government is.

    The Lord promised “I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU.”

    CLING TO THAT PROMISE, BROTHER YOUCEF..

    Report Post »  
  • fixer
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 6:06pm

    coming to a country near you…

    Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:58pm

    The Mullah’s in Iran rule that country and they want to live in the seventh century,they‘re a backward society with draconian laws and they’ll probably murder the pastor because he’s christian.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 6:01pm

      They might live in the seventh century, but at least one Ayatollah is pretty good at greed & corruption.

      That would be “Ayatollah Sugar”.

      He has a monopoly on sugar imports into Iran. Look it up.

      Report Post »  
  • ZomBrad
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:38pm

    I bet if Youcef really had a brothel, Obama would be acting more swiftly >.>

    Report Post »  
    • chazman
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:50pm

      … yeah, go ahead and kill him, you bearded freak azz camel kicker! Yer 72 virgin MALE goats are waiting for you in hell …

      Report Post »  
  • Sirfoldallot
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:37pm

    Pray 4 this mans family & may God Bless America

    Report Post » Sirfoldallot  
    • mtnclimberjim
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:59pm

      This guy is a idiot to put his family through this. Just like these stupid missionaries that go to the worst places possible, get whacked and we all feel so sad for the families. Don’t get me wrong, I love Jesus and would not be here today but for the Lord, But please, I think he expects us to use our heads. If you live in a land where you will be killed for your belief, then you might want to keep it personal.

      Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
    • Meyvn
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 7:53pm

      @mtnclimberjim: That could and probably will be the law in this land some day soon. You should re-think your comment. I pray for visible divine intervention for this man. As in the Lion rather than the Lamb.

      Report Post » Meyvn  
    • Iowaconservative
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 10:21pm

      This guy is not an idiot as the other poster said . He is a good man doing what the Bible tells him to do to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that others might have eternal life. The 2nd greatest commandment according to jesus is to Love your neighbor as yourself, if you truly love your neighbor what greater gift could you give him then the Gospel of Jesus Christ which gives him the opportunity to have eternal life? People talk about preserving this life as if it is all there is, but we have been taught as Christians that there is life after this life and that this life is nothing in comparison to the life after the death of this physical body. Pastor Youcef Stand up for Jesus as the Apostles did and do not deny your testimony of Jesus Christ

      Report Post »  
    • The_Hut_In_Co
      Posted on October 11, 2011 at 12:25pm

      IOWA, Amen to that! Well Said!

      Report Post » The_Hut_In_Co  
  • mamatango
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:35pm

    This may be the only time you could post a comment and SAVE A LIFE at the same time. I signed the petition yesterday on ACLJ’s site.

    Please everyone, click on the “PETITION” link and SIGN IT quickly!!! This Pastor is running out of time, and it appears the petitions are making a difference in what Iran may decide. I guarantee if this was you sitting in an Iranian jail under a death sentence, you would sure want people taking a minute to help save your life! You know, the old do unto others as you would have them do unto you thing….

    Report Post »  
    • louise
      Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:43am

      Mamatango,
      Good post. ACLJ is such a great organization, isn’t it? I too encourage everyone to go there and sign the petition.

      Report Post » louise  
  • blazingaway
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:28pm

    Well we’ll see how compassionate, loving, tolerate, accepting Muslims are by their fruits in this case … if they aren’t willing to accept and tolerate this man … I’m all for putting them out of their misery …. they just too intolerant to tolerate any longer.

    Report Post » blazingaway  
  • mad_hatter
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:19pm

    The only GOP 2012 Candidate to make a statement on this Pastor is Romney. ( http://tiny.cc/e5u0c ) Where is everyone else?

    Where is everyone else when it comes to their foreign policy plans? Some don’t even have economic plans and only one has a labor policy (unions), where is everyone else? How can we vet these candidates if they don’t provide their plans in writing.

    WE NEED TO VET OUR CANDIDATES

    Report Post »  
  • welovetheUSA
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:19pm

    Jimmy Carters best friend………..the poor guy hasn’t a chance.

    Report Post » welovetheUSA  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:18pm

    “Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei to Decide Iranian Pastor’s Fate”
    I guess he’s as good as dead, then. Couldn’t we do a prisoner exchange? We’ll send some muslims out of our prison systems for him.
    God, protect this man and his family.

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • Magyar
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:11pm

    My heart aches for this man and his family— I pray for a miracle! He is a minnow in a tank of sharks!

    Report Post »  
  • Taxpayer550
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:07pm

    It won’t be long before the left in America starts doing the same thing to Christians and Jews.

    May God protect and preserve the life of Youcef Nadarkhani and his family.

    Report Post » Taxpayer550  
  • godhead
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 4:55pm

    Gee, that’s just like what Rick Perry does down Texas way.

    Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:10pm

      Is that before or after he gave instate tuition to illegals?

      Has Rick Perry signed any execution orders for Muslim Clerics or was that just a drug induced dream of yours?

      Report Post »  
    • godhead
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:37pm

      Walkabout . . . I think you’re missing key aspect of this whole “blog” thing. It’s called relevance. You see, what you write should have some c.o.n.n.e.c.t.i.o.n. to the person or subject in question. Now, I know you haven’t done gradeeated the high school yet. and I’m sure this stuff will become clearer once you get your GED. Bit for now, remember this simple rule: First I think. Then I write.

      Try it. You’ll be amazed.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 6:16pm

      You‘re comparing Rick Perry’s execution record to the Ayatollah. But you would. You’re a leftist that would decry the execution of anyone from Ted Bundy to John Gacy.

      When I wrote “Is that before or after he gave instate tuition to illegals?” You might say that is off topic. But how am I going to show that Republicans aren’t the fanged monsters that haunt your dreams. After all you are the one that compared Perry to Khamenei. but that is a typical ploy of the left, to compare republicans, christianists or tea baggers to the Iranian regime. Did your boyfriend suggest comparing Perry to Khamenei or was that your ideal.

      I am still waiting. What Muslim leader was brought up on phony charges & sentenced to death in death in Texas? If there were one that would be an apples to apples comparison.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 6:29pm

      Godhead

      Were you gradeeated from an university with a degree in Leisure studies? Or was it a degree in public policy?

      Report Post »  
    • godhead
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:35pm

      Walkabout . . . Here, let me get you back on track. I was referring to the fact that the ayatollah was just like rick Perry, the Supreme Leader of Texas, who holds the fate of prisoners in his hands. Now, I’m happy to get all confused and stupid on you if it makes you feel more comfortable Here, “Oh, yeah! Oh, yeah! Well how many Texans has the ayatollah sentenced to death, Huh? Huh? Yeah, I thought so.”

      Geez, even faking that level of stupid puts the stink of dumba$$ in the air. I’m gonna go shower, unlike most Texans.

      Report Post »  
  • ares338
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 4:54pm

    That’s kind of like petting a Siberian Tiger with a bloody hand!

    Report Post » ares338  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 4:59pm

      Indeed, and the fact the man is a Christian pastor means Obama will say nothing in his defense.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:13pm

      Snowleopard,
      I believe the White House came out against the execution about 2 days ago. But they were not very vocal about. More of a proforma denunciation to CYA than anything else.

      Report Post »  
  • TxMadMac
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 4:52pm

    God Almighty has already done that sir. And yours as well !

    Report Post »  
  • Derek01
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 4:51pm

    Deja vu? Sounds just like our President who wants to decide our fate for us.

    Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 4:49pm

    .
    Will someone please flush the toilet we call the Middle East, put the lid down and turn out the light on your way out……..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • lukerw
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 4:48pm

    The answer is in the Koran… and no Muslim would go against it!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • Latter-Day-Soldier
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 6:08pm

      According to the Koran, everyone is initially born Muslim, to them, all non-Muslims are just apostates in their eyes.

      Report Post » Latter-Day-Soldier  
    • Iowaconservative
      Posted on October 11, 2011 at 6:45am

      Unfortunately the Koran teaches many things that are not true. Such as Abraham was a Muslim, such as Jesus was not a Jew.. . Hmm the last time I checked geneology and historical records neither of these things were true. There is an old saying … You can be dedicated to a cause but that does not mean you are correct… If you look back in history you can see that Hitlers followers were dedicated but noone thinks that they were correct… Jesus never taught violence, but the Koran does, Ahkmadinejad (I’m a nut job) the leader of Iran has delusions of Granduer and would like nothing better than to start a nice little war, Him and his Cleric friend will stop at nothing to destroy Israel and the West. They will use this Pastor as either a pawn or as the means to further their own warped agenda which according to I’m a nut job is to bring about the coming of the 12th Imam, which according to the Koran means they must start a nice big war. The Muslim religion I hate to inform you is not a religion of peace but a religion of war and soif you want to hold their hands and sing Kumbiyaa be my guest. I had a pastor tell me one time if the people of Moses had done what God told them to do when they went into the land of Canaan there would not be any Muslims to worry about. God told them to kill them ALL but they did not do it and now we are left to clean up the mess…

      Report Post »  
  • HKS
    Posted on October 10, 2011 at 4:43pm

    Ah, it’s good to be the king.

    Report Post » HKS  
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