WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. groups monitoring religious freedom are hailing the release of a Christian pastor after nearly three years in custody in Iran.
The U.S. Commission of International Religious Freedom says it welcomes the release of Youcef Nadarkhani (YOH'-sehf nah-dahr-KAH'-nee) and urges Iran to free other "prisoners of conscience." The commission says he faced the death sentence for refusing to renounce his Christian faith after converting from Islam as a teenager.
The American Center for Law and Justice says although Nararkhani was acquitted of apostasy he was convicted of trying to convert Muslims to Christianity but was sentenced to the prison time he had already served.
ACLJ International Legal Director Tiffany Barrans says Nadarkhani has been reunited with his family, but could still be at risk of attack by extremists. She says he may consider leaving Iran for his family's safety.
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212-a-05-(Tiffany Barrans, International Legal Director, American Center for Law and Justice, in AP interview)-"to see released"-Tiffany Barrans, International Legal Director for the American Center for Law and Justice, says Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is one of many prisoners of conscience in Iran. ((Youcef Nadarkhani is pronounced YOH'-sehf nah-dahr-KAH'-nee)) (9 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *212 (09/09/12)>> 00:05 "to see released"
210-a-10-(Tiffany Barrans, International Legal Director, American Center for Law and Justice, in AP interview)-"to live there"-Tiffany Barrans, International Legal Director for the American Center for Law and Justice, says Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani could still be targeted by extremists. ((Youcef Nadarkhani is pronounced YOH'-sehf nah-dahr-KAH'-nee)) (9 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *210 (09/09/12)>> 00:10 "to live there"
209-a-11-(Tiffany Barrans, International Legal Director, American Center for Law and Justice, in AP interview)-"eventually convicted of"-Tiffany Barrans, International Legal Director for the American Center for Law and Justice, says an Iranian Christian pastor is free after almost 3 years in prison. (9 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *209 (09/09/12)>> 00:11 "eventually convicted of"
211-a-13-(Tiffany Barrans, International Legal Director, American Center for Law and Justice, in AP interview)-"an emotional scene"-Tiffany Barrans, International Legal Director for the American Center for Law and Justice, says photos of Youcef Nadarkhani's release are posted on the ACLJ's website. ((Youcef Nadarkhani is pronounced YOH'-sehf nah-dahr-KAH'-nee)) (9 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *211 (09/09/12)>> 00:13 "an emotional scene"
