Youcef Nardarkhani has been sentenced to death for his faith.
Youcef Nardarkhani is a 34-year-old pastor from Rasht, Iran, who has been sentenced to death
for apostasy (turning away from Islam).
Youcef was arrested in October 2009 after he protested a government policy that required
children, including his 8- and 9-year-old sons, to study the Koran in school. Youcef told school
officials that Iran’s constitution allows for freedom of religious practice. He was arrested by the
secret police and charged with apostasy and evangelism of Muslims. He was tried in September
2010 and sentenced to death on 13 November 2010 for apostasy.
Youcef has been held in prison where the authorities have used various methods, including
medication, to convert Youcef back to Islam. But he has refused to deny his faith in Christ.
Because of his firm stand, the authorities also arrested wife, Fatemah, who was put on trial
without an attorney and sentenced to life in prison. She was later released after an attorney
appealed her sentence.
On 3 July 2011, following an international prayer campaign, Iran's Supreme Court overturned
Youcef’s death sentence, under the condition that he recants his Christian faith.
"The Supreme Court has annulled the death sentence and sent the case back to the court in
Rasht, asking the accused to repent," Youcef’s lawyer said.
It is not clear what will happen if he does not recant.
Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani remains in prison awaiting re-examination of his case. Voice of the
Martyrs contacts report that he is standing firm and strong in his faith. He is even encouraging
other prisoners, exhorting them to trust in the Lord.
How You Can Help
1. PRAY for Youcef and other Christians who are imprisoned for their faith.
That Youcef will stand firm in his faith, full of joy and courage in the Lord.
For Youcef’s case to be heard and that he will be released.
That God will comfort, protect and encourage Youcef and his family.
For Youcef’s attorney who is facing imprisonment for his work for religious freedom
in Iran.
Use this PowerPoint to share Youcef’s story and pray for him at church, youth group or school.
2. WRITE a special note of encouragement to your persecuted brother.
Your prayers are vital and your letters of encouragement speak loudly to the authorities in Iran
that Youcef Nardarkhani is not alone and will not be forgotten!
Print this advocacy profile and get your youth group to write to encourage Youcef Nardarkhani.