Christians in Sudan request prayer for four Christian men detained since December 2015 and on trial on several charges – some of which could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment. The men are: Rev. Hassan Abduraheem Kodi Taour (pictured right); Rev. Kuwa Shamal Abazmam Kurri (pictured left); Abdulmonem Abdumawla Issa Abdumawla; and Petr Jašek (a Czech national).
Two court hearings have taken place since Middle East Concern’s last prayer request for this case on 17th November. At a hearing on 21st November the prosecutor and a security official requested an additional charge of apostasy against Mr Abdumawla. It is considered unlikely that the judge will agree to this request. At a hearing on 28th November the security official finished his presentation to the court and the defence lawyers cross-examined him. The next hearing is due to take place on 5th December, when the prosecution will have an opportunity to question the security official further.
Meanwhile, three churches are currently scheduled for demolition in different parts of the Sudanese capital Khartoum. A lawyer has filed a court case to attempt to overturn the demolition orders, and has petitioned the judge to halt the demolitions while judicial proceedings are ongoing. Court proceedings are under way, with a verdict scheduled for 4th December. It will be possible for that verdict to be appealed.
MAY BE CIRCULATED TO GENERAL MAILING LISTS AND OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS, AND QUOTED FROM FREELY IN REPORTS CITING “MIDDLE EAST CONCERN” AS THE SOURCE OF THE INFORMATION.
Prayer points
Please pray:
a. that the four imprisoned Christians will know the Lord’s strength and comfort during their ordeal
b. for a fair judicial process, and that the four Christians will be acquitted soon
c. for the families of the four men
d. that church leaders and other Christians in Sudan will know the Lord’s peace and wisdom in the face of increasing pressure
e. that all officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him
