Being alerted of “suspicious activities,” police came to the house of a Christian couple on 21 September, arresting both after they found Christian materials. The couple have three children.
At a 5 October press conference, a Somaliland police colonel stated that two individuals had been arrested for being “apostates and evangelists spreading Christianity,” with the case to be forwarded to the relevant court.
He also threatened that “whoever dares to spread Christianity in this region, should be fully aware that they won’t escape the hand of the law enforcement officers and that the spread of Christianity will not be allowed and is considered blasphemy.”
He encouraged citizens to report those spreading Christianity to the police.
The arrest and detention of the couple has caused great fear among the local Christian community, with many believers fleeing abroad.
Please pray:
- That the detained couple and their children will experience God’s closeness, peace and comfort during the couple’s detention, and for a speedy release
- For God’s strength for those who fled and wisdom if and when to return
- That the community will be, strong, courageous and overcome the fear
- For wisdom for the leadership on how to handle this situation and to continue their ministry without government interference.
