White House Statement on the Case of Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani

 

 

White House Statement on the Case of Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani

White House, Washington, D.C.

Office of the Press Secretary, the White House

February 23, 2012

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms reports that Iranian authorities’ reaffirmed a death sentence for Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani for the sole reason of his refusal to recant his Christian faith. This action is yet another shocking breach of Iran’s international obligations, its own constitution, and stated religious values. The United States stands in solidarity with Pastor Nadarkhani, his family, and all those who seek to practice their religion without fear of persecution—a fundamental and universal human right. The trial and sentencing process for Pastor Nadarkhani demonstrates the Iranian government’s total disregard for religious freedom, and further demonstrates Iran’s continuing violation of the universal rights of its citizens. The United States calls upon the Iranian authorities to immediately lift the sentence, release Pastor Nadarkhani, and demonstrate a commitment to basic, universal human rights, including freedom of religion. The United States renews its calls for people of conscience and governments around the world to reach out to Iranian authorities and demand Pastor Nadarkhani’s immediate release.
See also:

• State Department Statement on the Execution Order for Iranian Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani
• Secretary Clinton on Iran’s Continuing Human Rights Violations
• Spokesperson Nuland on the Persecution of Religious Minorities in Iran
• Testimony by Assistant Secretary Posner and Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble on Human Rights and Democratic Reform in Iran
• International Human Rights Day 2011 – Message from Secretary Clinton
• Undersecretary Sherman on Addressing Potential Threats from Iran: Administration Perspectives on Implementing New Economic Sanctions One Year Later
• Testimony by Assistant Secretary Posner and Assistant Secretary Feltman on the U.S. Human Rights Policy toward Iran and Syria