Published on: 12 July 2017
By Britta Milovansev-DOHI News
June 24, 2017, Youcef Nadarkhani and three other Christians were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. After completion of their 10-yr sentence they are ordered to be deported to exile.
According to Mohabat News, the 26th branch of The Islamic Revolution Court has rearrested Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani along with three other Christians from the city of Rasht, Iran.
On March 8, 2017, a court hearing was held for Nadarkhani, Mohammad Ali Mosibzadeh, Mohammad Reza Omidi, and Zaman Fadaii under the presiding Judge Ahmadzadeh.
They were all charged with illegal gathering and propaganda against the Islamic Republic, a charge that is punishable to ten years in prison.
Based on news sources from Rasht, the capital city of Gilan province (north of Iran), they were raided by security forces on April 19, 2016 when Nadarkhani and the three others had gathered together to worship at the private house of Yasser Mosibzadeh.
Youcef Nadarkhani, his wife Fatima (Tina) and three others were arrested. Youcef and his wife were freed a few hours later but the other three remained in detention.
A few days later, Yasser Mosibzadeh (the owner of the house where they had gathered) and Saheb Fadaei were temporarily released by posting bail of 100 million Tomans (approx. 30,000 USD) until the court hearing date.
Mohammad Vafadar, for unknown reasons, was banned bail by interrogator Jalili at Branch 14 of Rasht investigations and he was not released.
In the court hearing on June 24, 2017, all four Christians were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and an order of deportation after serving their 10 year sentences for exile to Nikshahr Town (one of the small towns in Sistan-Baluchestan Province). Mohammad Reza Omidi was exiled to Borazjan town.
Among other charges, they were charged with unlawful gathering, illegal promotions against the government, and violating the national security by promoting Christianity.
They have 20 days to appeal the sentence according to Iranian law.
In October 2009, Youcef Nadarkhani, a Muslim who had converted to Christianity, was arrested on charges of “apostasy from Islam,” a charge punishable by death. He received a death sentence and was imprisoned until August 2012.
After extensive campaign efforts from Door of Hope International and other religious human rights organizations, Christians around the world petitioned for his release and acquittal. The Islamic Republic Judiciary was forced to cease his death sentence and he was released from prison. His wife Fatima, who received a life sentence was also acquitted of all charges and released from Lakan prison in Rasht.
Backdated info:
DOHI Operation Youcef: http://www.dohi.org/2012/06/operation-free-youcef/
Other articles on Youcef: http://www.dohi.org/?s=youcef+nadarkhani
