The White House’s Press Secretary has written a forceful statement surrounding pastor Youcef Nadarkhani (who was recently sentenced to execution for being an apostate from Islam).
Now it’s time for President Barack Obama to speak publicly to this.
Here’s the Press Secretary’s statement (for what it’s worth):
The United States condemns the conviction of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. Pastor Nadarkhani has done nothing more than maintain his devout faith, which is a universal right for all people. That the Iranian authorities would try to force him to renounce that faith violates the religious values they claim to defend, crosses all bounds of decency, and breaches Iran’s own international obligations. A decision to impose the death penalty would further demonstrate the Iranian authorities’ utter disregard for religious freedom, and highlight Iran’s continuing violation of the universal rights of its citizens. We call upon the Iranian authorities to release Pastor Nadarkhani, and demonstrate a commitment to basic, universal human rights, including freedom of religion.
If you want to lobby for President Obama to speak to the plight of Yucef Nadarkhani, here are the White House switchboard numbers:
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
