EUROPEAN UNION Brussels, 24 February 2012
A 82/12
Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on case of Youcef Nadarkhani
The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:
“The High Representative has in several instances expressed her serious concerns over the increase in executions in Iran and called on Iran to free the Iranian Pastor, Youcef Nadarkhani and other Iranians sentenced to death for offences which according to international standards should not result in capital punishment.
The High Representative is therefore extremely worried about reports that the execution of Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani in Rasht, Gilan province may be imminent. The execution of Pastor Nadarkhani on apostasy charges would be another illustration of the deteriorating situation of religious minorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The High Representative therefore urges the Islamic Republic of Iran to respect its international human rights commitments. She strongly calls on Iran not to execute Pastor Nadarkhani. He should be released immediately.”