[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 33 (Thursday, March 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONDEMNING IRAN FOR ITS PERSECUTION OF YOUCEF NADARKHANI

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                               speech of

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 29, 2012

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 556, 
which condemns the Government of Iran for its persecution, 
imprisonment, and sentencing to death of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani.
  H. Res. 556 rightfully condemns the Government of Iran for its state-
sponsored persecution of religious minorities, and calls for the 
exoneration and immediate release of Pastor Youcef and all other 
individuals held or charged on account of their religion.
  Pastor Youcef is a 34-year old father of two who was arrested over 
two years ago for the crime of converting from Islam to Christianity. 
In October 2009 he was tried and found guilty of apostasy. Adding to 
this atrocity, his sentence of death-by-hanging was recently upheld by 
the Supreme Court of Iran.
  Only in oppressive regimes like Iran could this fundamental human 
freedom to worship as one sees fit could be considered a crime, let 
alone one punishable by death.
  And sadly, the case of Pastor Yousef is only one of many other 
deplorable religious freedom cases in Iran. It demonstrates the Iranian 
authorities' utter disregard for religious freedom, and highlights 
Iran's continuing violation of the universal rights of its citizens.
  It is deplorable, and this House should denounce it in the harshest 
of terms. Pastor Youcef deserves to be free. He deserves to practice 
his faith and be home with his wife and young children. He deserves to 
have his rights as a human being upheld and respected.
  I urge a yes vote on H. Res. 556.

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