WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. is calling for the release of a Christian pastor who's been sentenced to death in Iran for apostasy.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney says 32-year-old Yusuf
Naderkhani has done nothing more than stay devoted to his faith.

Naderkhani converted from Islam to Christianity when he was 19
and later became a pastor in the northern Iranian city of Rasht. He
was convicted of apostasy in 2010 and remains in prison in Rasht.

Carney says Iran's effort to force Naderkhani to renounce Christianity "crosses all bounds of decency" and breaches Iran's international obligations.

Naderkhani's lawyer says his client has appeared before the appeals court over the past four days and expects a ruling by the
end of next week.

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