death penalty news
May 2, 2005
IRAN:
Iran Postpones Execution Trial Against Christian Convert After Media Leak
Iranian authorities reportedly ended preliminary hearings against Christian
convert Hamid Pourmand before an Islamic sharia court in Tehran after news
of his trial was leaked to the international press, BosNewsLife monitored
Sunday, May 1.
But officials informed the Protestant lay pastor's lawyer and family that
he was "being transferred to his home city of Bandar-i Bushehr" to stand
trial there, reported Compass Direct, a Christian news agency.
At least one report on the Pourmand case from BosNewsLife.com was carried
by United States funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which is
broadcasting to the Middle East. No indication was given as to when he
would be transferred to one of several prisons in the southern port city
and when the trial would begin, Compass Direct reported.
Pourmand, 47, faces the death penalty under the Islamic regime's laws, on
charges of
apostasy and proselytizing. He was arrested by the Iranian security police
last September for deserting Islam 25 years ago to become a Christian.
(source: BosNewsLife, Hungary)
