Pastor Nadarkhani

Amid reports that Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani may have been hanged by authorities for his faith, a U.K.-based rights group says sources inside Iran have confirmed he is still alive.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has learned that Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, who was re-imprisoned on Christmas Day, was released today.

Unjustly imprisoned simply because of his Christian faith, Youcef Nadarkhani remains in prison without defense – and the Iranian government remains without excuse.

It was a bad Christmas for Iranian pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, who has been returned to jail on an earlier charge.

The Iranian lawyer who successfully represented Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani in court, leading to his eventual release and acquittal of apostasy, was detained over the weekend and ordered to serve a lengthy sentence in one of Iran's most dangerous prisons.

Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani wrote a letter to all those who supported him and his stand for Christ, "the cause that I defend," following his release after nearly three years of illegal imprisonment for his faith.

Once in a while in the financial and political chaos, there comes a story or two that make one's heart glad.

Immediately after his release from Lakan Prison, Nadarkhani was able to briefly address a crowd of supporters. "Thanks to all who have supported me with prayers,” he said, "I experienced especially the presence of the Lord on my side every time."

Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has been acquitted of apostasy and released, ending a saga that drew international attention and saw him spend more than 1,000 days in jail in the face of a death sentence -- simply for being a Christian.

The Wall Street Journal raised the question yesterday: Why aren't Christians speaking out on behalf of Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who has been in prison for 1,000 days and is under a death sentence?

Sentenced to death in 2010 for the crime of apostasy, Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has been illegally imprisoned for nearly three years. July 8, 2012 marked his 1,000th day in prison.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has received reports that imprisoned Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani may face fresh charges in September, pertaining to crimes against national security and possibly blasphemy.

The U.S. Senate's Committee on Foreign Relations unanimously approved on June 19 a resolution calling for the exoneration and immediate release of imprisoned Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani.

In spite of Iran's poor human rights record, I continue to be shocked by new levels of callous disregard for human rights exhibited by the Iranian government.

In the wake of his attorney's imprisonment, Nadarkhani released an open letter to his supporters.

Imprisoned Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has issued a letter to persecution aid group Present Truth Ministries.

Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani's attorney may find himself serving a nine-year prison sentence soon, leaving Nadarkhani without a lawyer.

Earlier this month Youcef Nadarkhani celebrated his 35th birthday in the prison cell where he awaits execution for the crime of apostasy.

As of March 13, imprisoned Iranian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani was still alive, as international pressure continues to build calling for his release.

Iranian authorities have admitted for the first time that their case against Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani involves his Christian faith and religious activity.