News / Thoughts

Sudan: Pastors could face death

After eight months Sudan has finally accused two pastors of at least seven crimes, some punishable by death if they are found guilty.

Hassan Abduraheem Taour and Kuwa Shamal, both pastors of the Sudan Church of Christ, ‘are accused of complicity to execute a criminal agreement and waging war against the state’, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

The pastors were moved to Al-Huda Prison (Sudan’s Khartoum State) on 11 August. They face charges of espionage, calling for opposition of the public authority by violence or criminal force, and inciting hatred between classes.

Rev. Taour had been detained without charge since 18 December, in contravention of Khartoum’s own law. Meanwhile, Rev. Shamal was detained on the same date, released, and then re-arrested again without charge on 24th May

Among the host of other crimes the Christians are accused of are ‘propagation of false news articles, and entry and photography of military areas and equipment’.

The maximum sentence for waging war against the state (Article 51 of Sudan’s law) and espionage (Article 53) is the death penalty.

If you would like to speak out on behalf of Hassan Abduraheem Taour and Kuwa Shamal, please email advocacy@opendoorsuk.org and we will provide you with more information.

Source: CSW, World Watch Monitor

Pray now..

• For a fair judicial process, and that the Christians will be acquitted of all charges
• That God will continue to strengthen and comfort the pastors during this ordeal
• Thank the Lord for sustaining Taour and Shamal’s faith. Pray that officials will be convicted by the pastors’ testimonies and seek salvation in Christ
• That other church leaders will know the Lord’s peace in the face of the increasing pressure against churches.