Christians in Sudan request prayer for four 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 30th November. At a hearing on 5th December the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) officer who arrested the detainees gave his testimony, followed by questioning by the prosecutor and defence lawyers.
At the hearing on 12th December two witnesses gave testimonies and were questioned by the prosecutor and defence lawyers. The first was a Darfurian man who suffered burns, a central figure in the case. The detainees were trying to help this man with his medical treatment. They are accused of promoting his case to defame the government. The lawyers believe the Darfurian man’s testimony has been of significant benefit for the defendants. The second witness was an officer of the NISS.
The next hearing is due to take place on 19th December, when the complainant will call more witnesses. The majority of witnesses are Sudanese church leaders who were temporarily detained by the NISS in the course of their investigations in this case. Some of them had their passports confiscated.
Middle East Concern has been informed that the Sudanese detainees are doing well and have been allowed to attend church services in prison.
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
Christians in Sudan request prayer:
a. that the four imprisoned men will know the Lord’s strength and comfort during their ordeal
b. that the witnesses will not be subjected to undue pressure and will be able to give their testimonies without any fear
c. for a fair judicial process, and that all who are detained will be released soon
d. that church leaders and other Christians will know the Lord’s peace in the face of increasing pressure against churches in Sudan
e. that all officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him
