Christians in Sudan appreciate your continued 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).
Three court hearings have taken place since Middle East Concern’s previous prayer request for this case on 13th December. More witnesses were heard at hearings on 19th December (two National Intelligence and Security Service [NISS] officers) and on 26th December (a legal advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a church leader). At a hearing on 28th December the four defendants each gave statements and were questioned by the judge.
The prosecutor and complainant have now finished their case and the judge will now decide whether or not to proceed with the trial. If he believes the evidence against the defendants is insufficient they will be released. If the judge rules that there is sufficient evidence he can decide to drop some charges or continue the trial with all the current charges. He will announce this decision on Monday 2nd January 2017.
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
