Iran: no annulment of Nadarkhani death penalty

Sources inside Iran have firmly denied reports that a verbal notification of the annulment of the charges against Pastor Nadarkhani has been given to his lawyer, Mr Mohammad Ali Dadkhah. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is urging that conclusions should not be drawn on this case until a formal written verdict is received from the court, stating that, “Continued international vigilance and pressure is vital: the life of this man is still very much in the balance.”

Some sources close to the situation fear that reports of a verbal annulment may have been a deliberate attempt to misinform the international community and ease the pressure on the regime.

Yesterday Pastor Nadarkhani faced the latest session of a court case that ran from 25 to 28 September, during which he was requested on three separate occasions to renounce his faith in order to secure an annulment of the charge of apostasy and a lifting of the death sentence. Pastor Nadarkhani refused each time. The final defence was presented by Mr Dadkhah to the court on 28 September. The written verdict is now awaited, expected within a week.

CSW has facilitated the sending of over 19,000 emails from campaigners to the Iranian embassy in the UK and continues to pursue advocacy on behalf of Pastor Nadarkhani.

CSW’s Chief Executive Officer, Mervyn Thomas said, “CSW urges caution over the recent reports of verbal annulment of the charges against Pastor Nadarkhani. Until a written verdict is confirmed to have been received by credible sources, there must be no let up in pressure on the Iranian regime. Continued international vigilance and pressure is vital: the life of this man is still very much in the balance.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

Notes to Editors:

1. Please see previous press releasesfor background information on Pastor Nadarkhani’s case.

2. CSW is asking those who wish to take actionto email the Iranian embassy in their home country.