 Pastor Youcef and his family Photo: Present Truth Ministries |
Concern is growing for imprisoned Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who has been sentenced to death for apostasy. Pastor Nadarkhani is due to appear in court again on September 8 amid reports that he may face different charges of being in breach of national security.
The new charges may be brought to avert international criticism that the pastor is to be executed for his faith.
He is due to appear in court on different charges, which are believed to include claims of "repeated rape and extortion." He is also been accused of "setting up a house of corruption."
In a news report, the Deputy Governor-General of Gilan province for Political and Security Affairs, Gholam-Ali Rezvani, said: "The issue of... capital punishment of this individual is not related to his faith or religion, as in our system no one can be executed for changing his/her religion... but he (Nadarkhani) is a Zionist, a traitor and had committed security crimes.
Please pray that God will fill Youcef and his family with a peace that surpasses understanding. Pray that God will grant Youcef and his legal representatives the words to speak during the court hearing. Pray that the false charges against Youcef will be dropped and that he will be freed. Pray that his enduring faith will encourage other believers suffering for Christ's sake in Iran.
For more information on Iran's persecuted believers, go to the Iran Country Report.
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