[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 122 (Wednesday, September 12, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H5869-H5870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RELEASE OF PASTOR YOUCEF NADARKHANI

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has been released 
from prison in Iran. After 3 years of suffering in prison, with the 
death penalty hanging over his head on false charges, Pastor Youcef is 
now home with his family. This weekend he was suddenly brought before a 
court, convicted on a more minor sentence, and granted time served.

[[Page H5870]]

  While we applaud his release, we cannot forget how Pastor Youcef was 
abused and falsely accused over the past 3 years. He was subject to 
intense interrogation. His wife was arrested, taken away from their two 
young sons for a period of time. His lawyer was arrested on trumped-up 
charges.
  Earlier this year the House drew attention to this persecution when 
it overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling for the immediate release 
of Pastor Youcef. We made it clear that the world was watching and 
would not tolerate the execution of an innocent man.
  The Government of Iran continues to abuse religious minorities within 
its borders: Jews, Sunni Muslims, Baha'is, as well as Christians. 
Pastor Youcef's release is a victory for human rights, but we cannot 
forget about the other victims of this corrupt regime.

                          ____________________