Recently, Pastor Youcef Nardarkhani from Islamic Republic of Iran has been sentenced to death for apostasy - the CRIME of converting from Islam to another religion, in this case - Christianity. Youcef is one of several members of his church who have been imprisoned. Pastor Youcef was arrested in October 2009 after protesting a decision by the government requiring that his son study the Quran. He is facing an Execution Order. Youcef's trial was held in recent weeks in the 11th Chamber of The Assize Court of the province of Gilan. Pastor Youcef’s execution order is still being delayed by the government, hoping to apply more pressure and force him to recant his Christian faith. Meanwhile his attorney has appealed his case. If carried out, he’d be the first in 20 years to be executed for apostasy from Islam. Two articles in Iran's constitution grant Christians "the right to freely worship and form religious societies." Another article "obligates the Iranian government to uphold the equality and human rights of Christians." Besides these articles in the Iranian Constitution, the United Nations itself has adopted two resolutions for the protection of religious freedoms: 1981 Resolution Adopted By The General Assembly. 36/55. Declaration On The Elimination Of All Forms Of Intolerance And Of Discrimination Based On Religion Or Belief 1993 Resolution Resolution Adopted By The General Assembly. 48/128. ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE Additionally, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 18 declares: Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief. We, the undersigned, stand with Youcef Nardarkhani and STRONGLY disagree with his imprisonment based solely upon his faith in Jesus Christ and want to see him released from prison.

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