Mixed Messages From Iran’s Highest Court

We are beginning to hear some mixed messages on the verdict for brother Youcef. If you see differing reports please read them carefully, despite what the headline reads the report differs significantly from the headline itself.

While the headline reads “Iran ‘annuls death term’ for Christian pastor” the article itself quotes the attorney as saying, “The supreme court has annuled the death sentence and sent the case back to the court in Rasht (his hometown), asking the accused to repent.” The condition to the annulment of the death sentence is his repentance, that is, renouncing Christianity and accepting Islam. The headline is VERY misleading and is not truly honest reporting.

Initially our sources received word that the Supreme Court upheld the sentence. Now it seems that the Supreme Court has referred the case back to the local court and stated that the death sentence is annuled with the stipulation that he recants. Typically the Supreme  Court either upholds or annuls a sentence. It appears that there is some pressure on them to execute brother Youcef.

They have also twice delayed delivering the written verdict to the attorney’s. I believe this is good news, but we need to keep up what we are doing.

We need to continue the pressure through the power of the prayers of the saints. God is moving in hearts, let’s continue to earnestly pray. Send emails and letters to the embessy’s, send a letter to brother Youcef in prison.

for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my [brother Youcef’s] deliverance. Philippians 1:19