ONE NEWS NOW: Iran (MNN) ― In a March 7 press release posted on the American Center for Law and Justice Web site, Iran says there is no death sentence on Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani.
The release was made available to the ACLJ by Department of the Press, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In it, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran at Brasilia not only denies the report, but also states: "Article 13 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran recognizes followers of major Heavenly religions, including Christians, as religious minorities, accepting and assuring their rights as religious citizens." According to this Article, they are free to hold services and religious teachings and to practice civil rights based in their background.
It goes on to say, "Also these minorities, like the other Muslim organizations inside the Constitution, have representatives in the Parliament. It also says that a peaceful living exists in the Islamic Republic of Iran between the followers of divine religions, with a sincere fatherly spirit that is established between the State and different aspects. Also, we made sure of an independent power of the Court, reminding that the referred individual was arrested based upon laws and regulations of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He has a lawyer who is protecting all of his legal rights, including contact with his family. » | Mission Network News | Monday, March 19, 2012
