Rumours circulating that Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has been executed are being refuted by Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

There were fears the Iranian pastor had been hanged after images surfaced online in the last week.  

CSW said the man in the images was not Pastor Nadarkhani and that the ministry's sources have confirmed he is still alive.

Pastor Nadarkhani was freed on 7 January after spending nearly three years in prison for apostasy.   He was acquitted last September to the relief of Christians worldwide who had been praying for him.

CSW's Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, "While we are relieved to report that Pastor Nadarkhani is alive, we urge caution in circulating rumours which must be deeply distressing for his family, his congregation and for many around the world who continue to pray for him.

"Given their possible ramifications, it is vital that reports of such a serious nature are stringently verified before dissemination."