Faith

Iran May Have Issued Execution Order for Iranian Pastor Accused of Apostasy

Iran May Have Issued Execution Order for Iranian Pastor Accused of Apostasy

Over the past year, The Blaze has extensively followed Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, the Christian leader who has been under siege since his 2009 arrest on apostasy charges. For months, Iran’s militant officials have been trying to convince Pastor Youcef to retreat from his faith and to return to his Islamic roots. Today, the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) reported that the government might have issued an execution order for the 32-year-old religious leader.

Just days ago, we covered the fact that Congressional lawmakers were standing in solidarity with Nadarkhani. As The Blaze’s Tiffany Gabbay reported, “Rep. Joseph Pitts (R-PA) has sponsored a resolution denouncing Iran for its ruling of apostasy against Nadarkhani and calling for his immediate release.” While the U.S., among others, has been putting pressure on the Iranian regime, this new report is discouraging.

Iran May Have Issued Execution Order for Iranian Pastor Accused of Apostasy

In an alert issued earlier today, the ACLJ wrote:

The American Center for Law and Justice…has received information that Iran may have issued an execution order for Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who was sentenced to death because he refused to recant his Christian faith. The ACLJ is working to determine whether Pastor Youcef is still alive.

“As of today, we cannot confirm that Pastor Youcef is alive,” said Jordan Sekulow, Executive Director of the ACLJ. “The news out of Iran is not encouraging. With Iran now dominating international headlines because of its military actions, it’s clear Iran may have decided to move forward by issuing an execution order, knowing that the world’s attention is focused elsewhere right now. We also know that Iran’s top officials can reject the execution order and release Pastor Youcef if they so desire. We will keep the international pressure on Iran to free Pastor Youcef.”

It is still unclear at the present time whether Pastor Youcef would have a right of appeal from the execution order. The head of Iran’s Judiciary Chief, Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani, must approve publicly held executions, but only a small percentage of executions are carried out in public. Most executions in Iran are conducted in secret.

The ACLJ continues its push to save Pastor Youcef through social media campaigns, petitions, media appearances and other related actions.

Comments (89)

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  • Steve28
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 8:45pm

    Maybe the U.S. should give Muslims the same choice? It could eventually come down to a choice of leaving your religion or this country. I would not be surprised that we would not have camps like we did with Japan during WWII. If we continue this course I fear it will come to no good.

    Report Post »  
    • Grey Eagle
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:23pm

      I fear for this pastor. Iran and their barbarians are beyond belief. Those Mullahs should be executed themselves.

      Report Post »  
    • I support God's Israel!
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:25pm

      All FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST should be praying for this man and his family, and others who are being persecuted. However, to me, it is far better to live in Heaven than on earth. Heaven is eternal; earth is fleeting. But, I understand that he has a family that depends on him. I just prayed that God‘s angels surround this man and his family and protect them and that God’s will be done in this man’s life.
      That is how we should be praying.

      Report Post » I support God's Israel!  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 10:27pm

      Well I’ll repost.

      From the ayatollah’s perspective this is a good time to murder him, because the news cycle is full of catastrophe‘s that would divert people’s attention & muffle any criticism (Syria, Greece, …).

      I also said the ayatollah’s are using the same strategy as the White House does of any administration of dumping bad news on a Friday, when people tune out news. The analogy is not perfect. In this case the news isn’t being tuned out by an audience so much as being drowned out by other news. Second, the criticism cause problems for the Iranian regime but does not embarrass them unlike a white House dumping embarrassing data.

      Report Post »  
    • QuranIsCorruptAndMuhammadPossessedBySatan
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 8:02pm

      —————————————-

      Muslims touted Oliver Stone’s conversion to Islam while he was in Iran.

      Meanwhile in the same Iran a man who converted to Christianity is going to be put to death.

      This proves which religion is not the barbaric one.

      Why don‘t people ask Oliver Stone’s son think about this poor man who was arrested, put in prison and now faces death for leaving Islam.

      Report Post »  
    • Arfmoogle
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:40pm

      Yes, we pray for our brother, and against the religion of “piece.”

      Report Post » Arfmoogle  
  • louise
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 8:45pm

    Praying for protection for him and his beautiful family.
    Along with prayer for this family, the ACLJ is a worthy organization to contribute to, if you are led to do so. They do good work.

    Report Post » louise  
  • EdWheeler4Health
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 8:38pm

    I suppose we can trust that Ali Stone is proud of his new religion.

    Report Post » EdWheeler4Health  
  • kalli
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 8:07pm

    I pray that God will intervene and save this Pastor’s life so he may return to his family. This is only the beginning of sorrows, and with the way things are going in America, 4 more years of the lying deceiver will help to bring this savagery of persecuting Christians to America. And, not just Christians, but atheists and the gay community will be not be allowed to live. The quran is a book written by the great deceiver and liar satan himself, and if you don’t conform to this putrid idealogy, you will lose your head/life.

    Report Post »  
    • netmail
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 8:52pm

      The Blaze picked up this story for a few consecutive days months ago and that was it; no updates. Same thing with the border agent doing two years for ‘rough cuffing’ an illegal alien/drug runner. Open ended stories, unresolved, and then on to more of the same day in, day out. No wonder evil is winning so many of today’s battles…..it’s almost impossible to focus on anything to help facilitate true justice. If you ask me, LAZINESS and COWARDICE play a big role in regards to this. Throw GREED in the mix too.

      Report Post »  
    • kalli
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:24pm

      @NETMAIL:
      The Blaze can only report events as they happen. What’s missing is any reporting of the real news by the MSM who are derelect and corrupt in their duties to inform the people. They have done everything to protect obama from being exposed as the fraud he is. Evil has increased to mega proportions in this nation, and I honestly feel that God gave us obama as a wake up call. This Christian nation has become the most immoral, corrupt, wicked and ungodly country in our history, and we are under God’s wrath. As history in the Bible has shown, disobedience to God, our Creator, will bring destruction upon that people. The deceiver we got in the election of 2008 will continue to destroy this nation unless people see the evil that has permeated this nation‘s gov’t. and turn back to God. I believe we are closer than ever to the end of this age…keep your eyes on Israel.

      Report Post »  
    • neverending
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:33pm

      @KALLI – I just read the part where you believe God gave us obama to wake us up. Wow – I said the nearly identical words to my sister and friends a few months back! I truly do believe that because one thing barry did and that was wake us up – hope not too late and not sure enough are awake yet.

      Report Post »  
    • kalli
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:45pm

      @NEVERENDING:
      I believe many followers of Christ believe that he is a wake up call. When he first came on the scene pre-election, there were many of my friends across the country when asked what we thought of obama, all said the same thing: “he’s evil.” The Bible tells us that God sets up kingdoms and He takes down kingdoms. He, and only He, can restore this country, but only if we turn back and be obedient to Him. Every day I see atheists, gays, and obama make another inroad to turning this country away from God. obama quotes scripture out of context…he‘s much more familiar with the qu’ran; thus, he makes statements that are so blatantly wrong. Keep looking up!

      Report Post »  
  • Bro. Chuck
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:58pm

    May Adonai’s Shalom be upon you and your family, Brother Yousef……..

    Father, hold them close…..

    Your will, Lord….
    May they all walk through this valley in accord with Your Will -
    and may it all be for Your Glory!

    Open eyes,
    Open Hearts….
    Open minds,
    And impart your Truth upon those who hold him.
    As Paul did before his captors,
    Give brother Yousef your Grace…
    your strength to be bold for your account….

    Father, Please bless your servant Yousef and his family…

    In the Precious Name of Your Son YahShua…..
    Amen

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:57pm

    You cannot plan to kill Millions… and be shy about One!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • bitter clinger
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:30pm

    God bless him for his courage. Working as a christian leader in Iran must take huge balls.

    Report Post » bitter clinger  
  • Gypsy123
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:09pm

    Satan is alive and thriving in the world and you can see it by his destruction. The USA is not exempt as we shall soon see.

    Report Post » Gypsy123  
    • OBAMA IS A FOUL EVIL TRAITOR
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:18pm

      Here, Here!! Well Said Lad!

      Report Post » OBAMA IS A FOUL EVIL TRAITOR  
    • casseopea42
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:22pm

      We should all pray for this family.

      Report Post »  
    • Texas.7
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 5:10pm

      I wonder how much of an impact it will have if flags across the US fly half-staffed in his honor if and when this brutal murder is confirmed? Maybe Iranian leaders won’t care- but maybe it will encourage others who face the same “justice”. It is so sad, and he is a hero.

      Report Post »  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:03pm

    Evil pigs, of all the muslin countries, Iran is the worst.

    Report Post »  
  • OBAMA IS A FOUL EVIL TRAITOR
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:45pm

    HEAVENLY FATHER, Please Surround your Faithful Servant Youcef Nadarkhani with your Holy Angels and protect him and his family from ALL manner of harm. We pray this according to Your will Most High in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Amen!

    Report Post » OBAMA IS A FOUL EVIL TRAITOR  
    • Gypsy123
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:01pm

      Amen.
      May GOD watch over him and take him from this evil country in which they are holding and bring him safe home to his family. He is your servant Lord protect him as you promise and grant him freedom from his captors.

      Report Post » Gypsy123  
  • heartitorleaveit
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:45pm

    SurhanSurhan
    Posted on February 17, 2012 at 11:41pm
    @ AB5R- Don’t get your panties in a wad over this guy, he is not going to die for becoming an infidel apostate.

    Report Post » heartitorleaveit  
    • Joe Schmuck
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 11:38pm

      Great Post!

      Report Post » Joe Schmuck  
    • Texas.7
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:40pm

      I remember him saying that!

      To me, this almost takes Islam out of the status of being an actual religion- it is slavery and oppression pure and simple. It is about power and control over society.

      What makes people convert to Islam? Do any convert voluntarily, and if so, why????

      Report Post »  
  • Captain Crunch
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:30pm

    Keep him in prayer. Put his picture on your desktop background as a reminder to pray for him everyday. God’s hand is mighty to deliver.

    Report Post »  
    • BoyScout_Mom
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:08am

      In addition to pray, let’s act. There is a petition at ACLJ.org, the only organization that regularly updates my email about this situation.

      Call our representatives and request they bombard and demand the MSM to cover this story fully and intensely at this moment. Heck, contact the U.N. and demand they act.

      Report Post » BoyScout_Mom  
  • hatchetjob
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:18pm

    DB321, I’ve been wondering when the Christian beheadings will begin in America. It might be sooner than we think. God be with this Pastor.

    Report Post » hatchetjob  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:33pm

      If they come for me, that is one thing. If they come for my family I’ll take as many out as I can. Call it a lack of faith or whatever you want, I’ve already predetermined it. God is the only one who can change my mind.

      Report Post »  
    • the_united_states_of_britain
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:41pm

      lol. such a stupid comment

      Report Post » the_united_states_of_britain  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:45pm

      How’s either of the above comments “stupid”?
      If you take the liberty to call someone stupid, you have the responsibility to explain yourself.
      Waiting……

      Report Post »  
    • OBAMA IS A FOUL EVIL TRAITOR
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:29pm

      @HATCHETJOB

      Kudos! You are EXACTLY CORRECT!! Eschatology (Biblical End Time Prophecy) warns us that in the End Days Christians will be hated and killed for the Name of Jesus Christ. The method of execution will in fact be beheading according to the Bible. SATAN (quite literally) rules our Nation and it will not get better only far far worse. I firmly believe that Obama will declare Martial Law and suspend the Elections of November. HE IS FROM, AND OF, SATAN HIMSELF!

      Report Post » OBAMA IS A FOUL EVIL TRAITOR  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 12:01pm

      Because you captain crunch are saying what those occupied palestinians say when they go on suidice bombing runs. and what iraiqi and afghan resisters to our shock and awe and occupation say.Stupid is not the right word-but hypocrite is -as you demonize those who if cercirmstances were different here-you would be just like them.

      Report Post »  
  • amuzed_right_guy
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:18pm

    Every nation where Muslims are in the majority harshly persecutes and suppresses the freedom and especially the religious liberties of non-Muslims. Beware America and Europe as they are a growing threat amonst us. Muslim birth rates betray the demographic fact that Muslims are breeding at a rate that will soon displace the indiginous majorities in several Europeon countries within the next couple fo decades and threaten religious liberty and freedom of conscience everywhere Islam gains a foothold. The “peaceful religion” of Islam is anything but…

    Report Post »  
    • Gypsy123
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:07pm

      This is part of how Muslims take over a country is by inside invasion and then they work to change the laws just look at Europe.

      Report Post » Gypsy123  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:16pm

    …
    If Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is murdered by the Muslims, I think every Christian in the world should be allowed to burn a Koran, in his remembrance.
    Don’t light a candle, light a Koran.

    Americans are bashed, hated, and even threatened with death, by others in the world, for merely burning some paper (the Koran), while the Muslims condemn a Christian man to death, just for being a Christian.

    A book (Koran), a life (Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani). Which seems more important to the world? Where’s the outrage from the world?

    This man is being put to death, just for his Christian faith.
    Being put to death, just because he won’t convert back to the Islam faith.
    Christians are under attack as never before seen in history.
    Wake up people, before it’s too late.

    God Bless and protect Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani and his family.

    Report Post »  
    • GoApple
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:34pm

      well said.. well said indeed.. one of the best posts to ever hit theblaze.

      Report Post » GoApple  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 12:06pm

      americans are hated because of their unjust policies and meddling [propping up dictators and support of illigal zionist occupations and land grabs] Apostasy is a capital crime in fundamentalist muslim countries.That is certainly evil. our unjust policies in muslims lands have only seved to make them cling to their backward evil practices[though they're not all fundamentalists].

      Report Post »  
  • marthasusan40
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:15pm

    Please pray for this man’s Family, I can not imagine what they are going through right now. If they have killed him he rest in the arms of the Lord and is safe. God Bless his wife and children. These people are evil.

    Report Post »  
  • TexBork
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:14pm

    I remember when Obama said that he didn’t consider Iran a threat. That was one of the most important things I remember hearing from him. At that point I knew his foreign policy would be detrimental to the US. When he said, “I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.”… Well Hussein Obama, it’s getting ugly and you are proving that not only is your policy detrimental to the nation, but it is so precisely by design and the radical left are joining forces with the radical Islamists in promoting a Marxist agenda and “social justice”. It’s truly amazing to hear the unions run by socialists in the US backing the radical Islamic Muslim Brotherhood, who in return support the insurgent, Occupiers in the US.

    Report Post » TexBork  
  • the_united_states_of_britain
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:09pm

    i find it funny that because hes a christian hes one of us.

    this is why religion is dead.

    Report Post » the_united_states_of_britain  
  • momprayn
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:08pm

    God bless him and keep him and his family……….When are the majority of Americans going to wake up to the horrors of Islam and stop giving some an ignorant “pass” – this story is nothing unusual at all for Islam. This is what they have always taught and believe. The reason we need to face facts if b/c they are HERE and they are just waiting, appearing to be peaceful until they call jihad and then they ALL, (including “moderates”) have to unite in that whether they want to or not. ALL Muslims believe in the basics of taking over the world for Allah, killing all infidels, etc….this includes the ones here in America. They are taught to LIE to all non-Muslims to promote the cause. You cannot believe a word or “nice” action at all. CAIR is a major acitivist org. towards the gradual takeover via indoctrination in schools, prisons, colleges – they are entrenched everywhere …for the express reason to take us over when the time is right. They are laughing theirselves silly over us ignorant, “pc” Americans – taking advantage of our ignorance and freedoms. Easy. Very easy.
    Video re public schools:

    http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid949801312001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAACEco_Vk~,9bOat4XcfB_88ri1a3UMdKnLpH9aM8Fv&bclid=0&bctid=1271237687001

    Book: “Gods War on Terror” by Walid Shoebat (by an ex Muslim terrorist converted to Christianity)

    Site to help support and info: http://www.actforamerica.com

    Report Post »  
  • Bronco II
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:00pm

    I have been praying and I now am asking GOD to protect him and if it’s his will let him be alive and be freed soon I ask in Jesus name.Amen

    Report Post » Bronco II  
    • Twinspeedr
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:19pm

      My little girls have included “Pastor Nadarkani” in their nightly prayers for the past year or so. They will be so sad if the devils in Iran have finally killed this brave man. God bless him and his family.

      Report Post » Twinspeedr  
    • Texas.7
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:46pm

      It is absolutely heart breaking. But these killings are also happening around the world. Christians (and all freedom-loving people) need to stand together against this evil. I join you in prayers for the pastor, his family and believers around the globe facing persecution.

      http://www.persecution.com/

      Report Post »  
  • GoApple
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:00pm

    This is terrible. I was thinking about him this weekend reading all the Iranian headlines. Just terrible. Only monsters led by demons could ever execute a non violent, crime-less, father and pastor.

    God have mercy

    Report Post » GoApple  
  • CatB
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 5:50pm

    Well that should improve the relations .. (sarcasm) How long are we going to put up with this little terrorist?

    Report Post »  
  • Findalis
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 5:49pm

    Pray for Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. Pray that the Iranians realize that killing this Man of G-d will not promote their faith. For Youcef Nadarkhani he is with G-d, whether he is alive here with us or already killed.

    Report Post » Findalis  
  • democritusoilder267
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 5:47pm

    Even though I’m not the biggest supporter of religion I find what Iran is doing disgusting. I cannot defend Islam as being a peaceful religion or say Muslims are not like this. Time and time again I have read horrible news of Muslims killing anyone who goes against Islam or leaves the religion. Yes, I have met Muslims who are nice in throughout my years. I’m thankful that there are Muslims who are willing to show respect toward you. I just cannot support these barbaric groups who kill people. This becoming more and more common with a lot of Muslims throughout the world.

    Report Post » democritusoilder267  
    • oldguy49
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 5:52pm

      i also have know a few over the years………don’t be fooled…………

      Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 5:43pm

    The muslim heathen will probably murder the Christian pastor,they‘re a sick twisted lot that’s for sure.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • LouC57
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 5:51pm

      Huns! Hateful, horrible, sorry excuses for human beings.
      I hope and pray for this man’s safety, and that of his family and flock.

      Report Post »  
    • db321
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:00pm

      Sorry, but American Christians can’t help you at this time – in fact the same thing will start happening in America soon.

      Right now – our newest problem in the US is that 90% of oure Christian Women are now in support of Obama because Obama is going to pay for Birth Control Pills – after all it is a saving of $30 a month to any Women taking Birth Control – America will loose our future, but you can’t argue with $30 a month savings. What the Govt gives – it can take away!

      Report Post » db321  
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