Yousef Nadarkhani, an Iranian pastor recently acquitted of apostasy, has been returned to jail on an earlier charge according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

In September, a court acquitted Pastor Nadarkhani of apostasy (which carried the death sentence), but sentenced him to three years for evangelising Muslims. Since he had already spent close to three years in Lakan Prison in Rasht, the pastor was released after posting bail.

However, CSW sources now report that Pastor Nadarkhani has been returned to jail on the orders of the director of Lakan Prison, who claimed he had been released several days too early due to the insistence of his lawyer, Mohammed Ali Dadkhah. The pastor has now been return to prison to serve the remainder of this time and to complete paperwork that allegedly had not been completed during his release in September.

In November, Pastor Nadarkhani was a special guest at CSW’s National Conference in London, where he thanked all who had prayed and petitioned for him during his initial incarceration.

Christian activists worry that Nadarkhani still may not be safe, even if he is released after the 45 days are finished.

Mervyn Thomas, CSW’s Chief Executive said: “We are disappointed to hear Pastor Nadarkhani has been returned to prison in such an irregular manner. The timing is insensitive and especially sad for his wife and sons, who must have been looking forward to celebrating Christmas with him for the first time in three years. We hope that Pastor Nadarkhani will be released without delay once this alleged sentence has been fully served. We are also asking for prayers for the pastor’s safety, and for his family at this difficult time.”

Read more about Pastor Nadarkhani’s story from previous Eternity News Online stories:

• Decision stalled on Iranian pastor sentenced to death 
• Iranian authorities confirm death penalty for pastor. Urgent prayer requested.
• A letter from Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani from prison
• Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani’s release from an Iranian jail confirmed