CP World
Saturday, Sep 08, 201Iran Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani Acquitted of Apostasy, Released From Jail
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(Photo: American Center for Law and Justice)Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani was arrested in Oct. 2009, and he was eventually charged with apostasy and attempting to evangelize Muslims. Recent reports indicate that he may have received an execution order from Iranian courts for apostasy.
Youcef Nadarkhani, the Iranian pastor who captured the hearts of millions as he stood firm in his faith while facing execution, has been acquitted of apostasy.
Two organizations that have closely been monitoring the case and have sources in Iran reported Saturday that Nadarkhani, who went on trial early Saturday, has been released from prison and is at home with his family."Thank you to everyone that has supported me with your prayers," Nadarkhani said, according to Present Truth Ministries.
Though acquitted of apostasy, the Iranian pastor was found guilty of evangelizing Muslims. He was sentenced to three years imprisonment but was released because he already served this time.
"We give thanks to God for His deliverance and the answer to our prayers," Jason DeMars, founder of Present Truth Ministries, said in a statement.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide also confirmed the pastor's release.
Nadarkhani, pastor in a network of house churches, was arrested on Oct. 13, 2009, after protesting the government's decision to force all children, including his own Christian children, to read the Quran.
He was initially charged for protesting but the charges were later changed to apostasy and evangelism to Muslims. In 2010, he was sentenced to death and the ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court of Iran last year.
According to Islamic Sharia Law, an apostate has three days to recant. The Christian pastor had refused to recant his faith.
Christians around the world have prayed and appealed for Nadarkhani's release. A Twitter campaign advocating for his freedom reached more than 3 million.
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