Christians in Sudan are thankful that Rev. Kuwa Shamal Abazmam Kurri (pictured left), the head of the mission office of the Sudan Church of Christ, was released from prison on Monday 2nd January 2017. He is one of four men detained since December 2015 in Khartoum who have been on trial on several charges. The trial will continue for the three remaining defendants: Rev. Hassan Abduraheem Kodi Taour (pictured right); Abdulmonem Abdumawla Issa Abdumawla; and Petr Jašek (a Czech national).
At a court hearing on 2nd January the judge freed Rev. Kuwa due to lack of evidence against him, but ruled that the trial will continue against the other three men. Petr Jašek will be tried for charges which include waging war against the state, violating restrictions in military areas, spreading rumours to defame the state, espionage, and inciting strife between communities. The two other defendants will only be tried for the last two of these charges. The punishment for some of the charges could include the death penalty or life imprisonment.
The next court hearing is due to take place on 9th January, when the lawyers for the three defendants will present their case.
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Prayer points
Christians in Sudan request prayer:
a. that the three defendants will know the Lord’s strength and comfort during their ordeal
b. for wisdom for the lawyers defending them
c. for a fair judicial process, and that the three men will be acquitted soon
d. for an end to the increasing pressure against churches in Sudan, and that Christians will know the peace of the Lord
e. that all officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him
