News / Thoughts

Sudan update: Pastor released!

Pastor Kuwa Shamal has been released!

In a hearing on 2 January the judge ruled that there was not enough evidence against him. Thank you for your prayers for him and for speaking out on his behalf.

However, in the same hearing charges against Pastor Hassan Kodi, Czech aid worker Petr Jasek and student Abdulmonen Abdulmawla were confirmed, and their trial will continue.

Pray now…

• Praise God for the release of Kuwa. Pray for healing for him as he recovers from his time in prison.
• For strength and comfort for Hassan, Abdulmonem and Petr
• For a fair judicial process, and that Hassan, Abdulmonem and Petr will be released soon
• That church leaders and other Christians will know the Lord’s peace in the face of increasing pressure against churches in Sudan.

——————————-

Original article: 28th November 2016

The trail of Sudanese pastors Hassan Kodi and Kuwa Shamal, as well student Abdulmonem Abdumawla and aid worker Petr Jasek, continued in court last week. The prosecutor repeated old accusations against them, saying the group were supporting rebel fighters. The prosecutor also accused them of reporting bad information about Sudan ‘as if the state is against Christians’.

He said Kuwa lied by saying the government has demolished his church. “It was a two and half hour session and very long,” reported our source, who remains unnamed for security reasons. “The prosecutor has nothing new. It was just a repetition of what has already been said in previous sessions. They didn’t have any evidence to support their accusations.”

The charges they face are serious, and could even result in the death penalty.

It is hoped the lawyers will be given an opportunity to respond during the next hearing, which will be on 28 November.

Pray now…

• For the Lord to encourage and comfort Hassan, Kuwa, Abdulmonem and Petr and their families
• For a fair judicial process, and that the men will be acquitted of all charges
• For wisdom for their legal team as they prepare to respond to these accusations.

——————————-

Original article: 5th September 2016

Two Pastors from the Sudan Church of Christ are on trial in Sudan accused of conducting intelligence activities and providing material support for rebels in Sudan’s South Kordofan region. Hassan Abduraheem Taour and Kuwa Shamal, along with student Abdulmonem Abdumawla and a Czech Christian aid worker, Petr Jasek are facing some charges that are punishable by death.

Many of the charges are based on photo evidence that Petr, in 2012, had investigated areas were Sudanese government planes were thought to have dropped bombs. He was also said to be looking to interview civilians that had been tortured by the government.

The judge said the photos underscored that Petr was present in the Nuba Mountains in 2012. The Nuba Mountains are an area of significant Christian presence adjacent to South Sudan (with the rest of the country being largely Muslim).

The prosecutor has demanded the harshest punishment, and the judge heard an ‘investigating consultant’, who spoke on behalf of the security services that filed the case against the defendants.

Between December last year and the start of the trial, the four had mostly been held without charge, even though Sudanese law forbids it.

How you can help: Speak out

If you would like to do more on behalf of Hassan, Kuwa and Abdulmonem, please email advocacy@opendoorsuk.org and we will provide you with more information.

The video above shows nearly 100 Christians gathered outside the courthouse in Khartoum, Sudan, in support of Hassan, Kuwa, Abdulmonem and Petr. They are singing a hymn in a Nuba language.

Source: 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 Hassan, Kuwa, Abdulmonem and Petr during this ordeal
• Thank the Lord for sustaining their faith. Pray that officials will be convicted by their testimonies and seek salvation in Christ
• That Sudanese church leaders will know the Lord’s peace in the face of the increasing pressure against churches.