Two Iranian Supreme Court justices have denied an appeal of Youcef Nadarkhani's December 5, 2010 death sentence for the uniquely Islamic "crime" of apostasy. Islam stands alone amongst all modern faiths, adamantly denying its votaries freedom of conscience, as guaranteed, for example, by Article 18 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights ("Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."), and insisting upon lethal punishment for "public" apostates, in full accord with the Sharia. A translation of the Iranian Supreme Court verdict makes illuminating, if depressing reading: Issued by section 27 Supreme Court Judge Morteza Fazel and Azizoallah Razaghi Mr. Youcef Nadarkhani, son of Byrom, 32 years old, married, born in Rasht in the state...(Read Full Post)