Tags

Sudan

• Mob Attack of Guard's Residence

  
  Guard's wife and their three children
  Photo: Morning Star News

  Three weeks after an elder was killed in an attack on church property in Sudan's historical city of Omdurman, a mob accompanied by police ransacked the living quarters of the compound guard and arrested his family.

  On April 24th, the mob demolished part of the room where the family lived, after first destroying its padlock at the compound of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church. The officers then took Mona Matta, wife of guard Azhari Tambra (who was not home at the time of the attack), and their three children -- ages six, four and two -- from their room at the church compound and detained them for 12 hours.

  When Mona and the children, including one who is disabled, were taken away in a police van, they were accused of opposing authorities, lacking ownership papers, and betrayal of the country. Thankfully, they were later released with no charges filed against them. However, upon their return home, it was discovered that all their belongings had been destroyed. Officers then prevented them from re-entering their living quarters. The guard and his family are unsure where they will now take shelter.

  While thankful for the release of Azhari's family from detainment, and the fact that no charges have been laid against them, we ask the Lord to provide a safe place for them to live. In fact, may He supply for this family's spiritual and practical needs in ways that exceed their expectations (Ephesians 3:20), demonstrating His loving kindness toward them. Pray that wisdom, patience and peace will be granted to Sudan's church leaders and members as they face the attempts of those trying to illegally confiscate church properties. Intercede on their behalf, asking for an end to the mounting pressure and that the Lord's justice will prevail.

• Christians Stabbed for Rescuing Assault Victims

  
  Evangelical School of
  Sudan in Omdurman
  Photo: Morning Star News

  Younan Abdullah was tragically killed while standing up for the rights of our brothers and sisters in Sudan to worship freely. He intervened after police confronted fellow Christians who were protesting peacefully against the illegal sell-off of the Evangelical School of Sudan in Omdurman. Younan was fatally stabbed at the scene.

  A three-day protest at the school ended on April 3rd when police arrested all the male protesters. Soon afterwards, an armed group of about 20 people arrived and began beating the women. Several men from the nearby Bahri Evangelical Church, including Younan, rushed to the aid of the assaulted women. Two of the men who came to the rescue were stabbed while police reportedly stood by and watched. Although Younan soon succumbed to his injuries, the other wounded rescuer, Ayoub Kumama, was hospitalized for treatment.

  Among their attackers were members of an illegal committee the government had imposed on the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church, whose leadership also oversees the Omdurman school. Committee members had been illegally selling off church properties to businessmen for "redevelopment." The man whom police arrested on suspicion of stabbing Younan is believed to be one of the illegal committee members. To learn more about the persecution of believers in Sudan, click here.

  Ask the Lord to comfort Younan's brokenhearted widow and their two young children, as well as others of their family and community -- including those of their church family. Pray that each of them will experience His love, strength and peace in meaningful ways as they come to terms with their sudden loss and grief. Intercede for the individual(s) responsible for the stabbing of these two honourable Christian men, that they may be convicted of their wrong-doing and be led to experience sincere repentance, forgiveness and salvation. Pray for Ayoub's continued recovery and for the healing of all who have been injured and traumatized by the assaults. May God's justice and righteousness prevail, serving as their Advocate in the illegal takeover of the church's rightful property.

• Czech Christian Released from Prison

  
  Petr (on left) behind bars with fellow
  prisoners prior to his release.

  Petr Jasek, the Christian aid worker sentenced to life in prison for allegedly spying, is back home on Czech soil after the Czech Foreign Minister flew to Khartoum to negotiate his release. Petr is reported to have arrived in Prague after Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir issued a pardon. He was sentenced to serve more than 20 years in jail after helping a student from Darfur who had been seriously injured at a rally. The two Sudanese men convicted with him -- Pastor Hassan Abduraheem and Abdulmonem Abdumawla -- remain in prison.

  The three believers were accused of funding rebel movements in areas such as South Kordofan and Darfur. Petr was sentenced to life imprisonment on January 29th after being found guilty of various charges, including spying and inciting hatred. He was also fined 100,000 Sudanese pounds (more than $20,000 CAD) for undertaking humanitarian aid work without a permit.

  Pastor Hassan and Abdulmonem were each sentenced to 12 years, having been convicted of various charges. Yet their main "crime" was "aiding and abetting" Petr with his humanitarian work. Their lawyers have lodged appeals against these sentences. (A previous report on their situation may be reviewed here.)

  Petr travelled to Khartoum in December 2015 to give the injured student from Darfur funds toward his medical costs. Security agents searching his bags at Khartoum Airport found the receipt for his donation and detained him on the spot, accusing him of supporting rebels. He spent 14 months behind bars prior to his recently granted pardon.

  The Czech Christian aid worker has a 20-year background in the medical field, including ten years as a hospital administrator. He has worked to provide care to Christians in Sudan and Nigeria, including medical care for those attacked by Boko Haram. While rejoicing with Petr and his family over his release, let's stand with them in prayer on behalf of his Sudanese friends who are still imprisoned.

• Life Sentence for Acts of Compassion

  On January 29th, Czech Christian Petr Jašek was sentenced to life in prison after a court convicted him of "spying." Sudan officials took notice when he provided assistance to a student from Darfur who had been badly injured at a rally. His co-defendants -- Sudanese nationals Rev. Hassan Abduraheem Kodi Taour and Abdulmonem Abdumawla -- were each sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison, mainly for helping Petr. All three believers, who were initially detained back in December of 2015, plan to appeal immediately.

  During the trial, Petr was accused of taking video footage of military installations and entering Sudan without a visa. He was also fined 100,000 Sudanese pounds (about $20,000 CAD) for doing mission aid work without a permit. In addition to Petr's severe sentencing, the three men were convicted of "spreading rumours that undermine the authority of the state" and inciting hatred. Previous reports on this case are available here.

  The court ruling has shocked many. The legal maximum penalty for "spreading rumours to undermine the authority of the state" is six months, yet the judge in Khartoum has doubled this sentence. The prosecution claimed the video was clear evidence that Petr and the two others were guilty of tarnishing the image of Sudan by gathering information on persecution of Christians and genocide. However, it was previously acknowledged through global news sources and governmental agencies that the president of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, has been indicted for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.

  The persecution of Christians in Sudan is a valid concern -- not only in matters involving individual believers -- but additionally for the many churches in Khartoum currently under the threat of demolition. In separate cases, a Khartoum judge has ruled that the four churches presently facing demolition orders should be represented by a lawyer appointed by the Sudanese authorities, not by the churches. Such inadequate legal representation poses further mutually shared concerns for members of the 21 other churches also facing the threat of demolition.

  May God's unfailing presence -- and the resulting "peace that surpasses all understanding" -- be experienced in wonderful ways by Petr, Hassan and Abdulmonem, as well as their concerned families. Intercede for the legal team representing the three accused believers, asking that they be granted wisdom and insight from on high so the appeal will be presented swiftly and result in a favourable outcome. Pray that the light and love of our Lord Jesus will continue to shine in Sudan, touching the hearts of many -- including the country's governing officials -- so the ministry of these individuals and the many threatened churches can continue their God-ordained mandate to proclaim the "Good News" of the Gospel.

• Pastor Recently Released!

  
  Rev. Kuwa Shamal
  Photo: World Watch Monitor

  Rev. Kuwa Shamal, one of four men detained in Sudan since December 2015, has recently been released. During a hearing on January 2nd, the judge ruled that there was not enough evidence against Pastor Kuwa, who had been charged along with three other men with "crimes against national security" in Khartoum. You may review a previously posted report on their situation by going to this page.

  The trial for Rev. Hassan Abduraheem, Czech aid worker Petr Jasek, and a student by the name of Abdulmonem Abdumawla, was to commence on January 9th when defense lawyers are scheduled to present their cases. (To date, we have not received any news of the outcome which means their cases may still require further deliberation.) The three men are facing several criminal charges, including "waging war against the state" and "spying." If found guilty, these men could face the death penalty or life in prison.

  Mr. Jasek, a former hospital administrator with 20 years of experience in the health field, has previously assisted VOM in providing care to persecuted Christians in Sudan and Nigeria, including medical care for Christians attacked by Boko Haram. In Mr. Jasek's first letter to his family, which was sent after his arrest in December 2015, he stated that "God holds the key to my cell; He will open the door in His timing."

  After months of delays, multiple hearings have taken place in recent weeks. During a hearing on December 14th, Ali Omer, a Darfurian man who suffered burns during a demonstration, gave his testimony and was cross-examined. The detainees were attempting to help this man and were subsequently accused of promoting his case to defame the government. Defense lawyers reportedly believe the testimony has given the defense a significant boost in its case.

  Thank you for joining us as we offer praise to God for the release of Pastor Kuwa, remaining mindful of our need to continue praying for favourable outcomes on behalf of the three other imprisoned believers.

• Christian School Resumes after Attempted Takeover

  
  A school in Sudan. (cc)
  Photo: Flickr / SuSanA Secretariat

  A judge in eastern Sudan ordered a Christian school, which government officials had previously taken over, to resume classes under the prior Christian administration. "The court has ordered the school to continue its function with the current administration and without interference from the commissioner," announced the school's headmaster, Rev. Samuel Suleiman Anglo. "Things are normal, thank God."

  The Appeal Court for Administrative Affairs in Madani, Al Jazirah state, cancelled a previous order by which the Madani commissioner had called for the closure of the Evangelical Basic School. On October 24th, armed police -- along with civilians from Khartoum and elsewhere -- had seized the school, which serves more than a thousand students aged three to 18 and belongs to the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church.

  Harassment, arrests and persecution of Christians of various denominations have intensified in Sudan since the secession of South Sudan in July 2011. Since 2012, Sudan has expelled foreign Christians and bulldozed church buildings on the pretext that they belonged to the South Sudanese.

  The Sudanese Minister of Guidance and Endowments announced in April 2013 that no new licenses would be granted for the building of new churches in Sudan, citing a decrease in the South Sudanese population. To learn more about the political and spiritual climate of this country, click here.

• Severe Penalties for Addressing Persecution

  
  Pastors Kuwa Shamal (left) and Hassan Taour (right)
  Photo: World Watch Monitor

  A trial of four men, including two Sudanese church leaders and a foreign aid worker, resumed on August 29th in Khartoum, with Sudan's prosecution accusing the defendants of highlighting the alleged suffering of Christians in war-ravaged areas of the country.

  The four defendants are Hassan Abduraheem Kodi Taour and Kuwa Shamal, pastors originally from the Nuba Mountains of Sudan's South Kordofan region; Petr Jasek, a Christian aid worker from the Czech Republic; and Abdulmonem Abdumawla Issa Abdumawla, a Darfuri graduate student. The men have been accused of conducting intelligence activities and providing material support for rebels. Some of the charges against them are punishable by death.

  During the trial, the prosecutor demanded the harshest punishment, alleging that the defendants claimed the buildings were bombarded by government warplanes. He also purported that the Christian aid worker was planning to go into areas "claimed to have been destroyed by the Sudanese army" with the intent to interview civilians regarding concerns of torturous conduct by Sudanese authorities.

  In Sudan, the demolition of churches and arrests of Christians have increased since 72-year-old President Omar al-Bashir began reasserting Sharia law. Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. Sudan currently is ranked eighth on Open Doors' World Watch List of the 50 countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. For more information on the country of Sudan, click here.

  Please pray for the four accused men and their families as they endure the ongoing court proceedings and allegations presented against them. As greater awareness of their case becomes known internationally, may fellow believers around the world join in the prayer vigil on their behalf, petitioning our Righteous Judge for their safety and a just outcome. Pray for a miraculous turnaround of this case, and that the Sudanese president and his government officials will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ who loves and values human lives. Let's also widen our prayers by lifting up to the Lord all of His followers who are suffering persecution in Sudan, especially those in the Nuba Mountain region where Christian communities have been harassed for so many years.

• Arrests for Protesting Illegal Seizure

  Fourteen members and leaders of the Khartoum Bahri Evangelical Church were detained on July 7th for peacefully demonstrating against the illegal seizure of the church's training school. The property had been sold by a government-appointed "committee" not recognized by the church; a transaction of sale that was even ruled illegal by the Administrative Court.

  Police initially arrested 11 people who were released after intervention from the church's lawyer. However, when they returned to the church compound and continued with their objection regarding the illegal takeover, the police returned -- this time detaining 17 people in total. Three of the detained, after proving to be members of the government-appointed "committee," were released shortly afterwards. And although the prosecutor ordered the release (pending trial) of the remaining 14 detainees, the police refused to comply.

  On July 10th, all 14 of the detained church members were charged before the Bahri Criminal Court. The court sentenced 13 of them to a fine of 300 Sudanese pounds (approximately $65 Canadian) for obstructing police, and the other member to a fine of 500 Sudanese pounds (about $107) for obstructing police and disturbing the peace. They were released after paying the required fines.

  However, five of these Christians were also released pending trial, as they will be charged for a breach of signed commitment. During the first round of arrests on July 7th, they signed a statement stating they would not "disturb the peace" again. They were then re-arrested in the second round of arrests and accused of violating the conditions of their earlier release. No date has been set for their trial. To learn more about the challenges believers face in Sudan, review our country report.

  Please join us in praying for these Christians in Sudan who have been charged for protesting against the illegal sale of the church premises. May they handle this difficult situation wisely and in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord. Pray that the five church members involved in the upcoming trial will place their trust wholeheartedly in God, relying on His promise to work all things together for good to those who love Him... including this seemingly unjust takeover of property. May He encourage this congregation of believers through His infallible Word, granting them strength in the process and favour with the judicial leaders of the court. Ask the Lord to use this case as a strong witness for the Gospel in Sudan and beyond.

• Unlawful Detainment of Church Leaders

  
  Kuwa Shamal and Hassan Taour
  Photo: World Watch Monitor

  Five months since his initial detention, a local pastor has been re-arrested by Sudan's intelligence agency. Rev. Kuwa Shamal joins at least two more Christian leaders in prison, awaiting charges that could potentially carry the death penalty. He was re-arrested on May 24th by members of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) in Khartoum.

  Together with fellow Sudan Church of Christ leader, Rev. Hassan Taour, and a Christian convert from Darfur identified as Abdulmonem Abdumawla, the newly jailed pastor is expected to face serious charges including espionage and undermining state security. Rev. Kuwa, who serves as the church's head of missions, was first detained for three days on December 18th. He later had to report daily to the NISS for long periods of time. For no obvious reason, the routine was lifted in mid-January but then re-imposed a month later. (To review a previously posted report, go to this page.)

  This is not the first time Khartoum has detained Christians unlawfully, failing to prove beforehand the serious charges brought against them later in the courts. In the summer of 2015, Khartoum officials released two South Sudanese pastors who were accused of "spying." More details on this case are available here.

  According to the 2016 Open Doors' World Watch List, Sudan is ranked 8th in a list of 50 countries where Christians are under the most pressure. The predominantly Muslim country has a rating of "extreme" and, for the past two years, has remained among the top 10 offenders. For additional information on persecution in Sudan, visit our Sudan Country Report.

  Please intercede for these incarcerated Christians in Sudan, praying that they will remain strong in their faith -- not wavering in their courageous stand -- during this time of trial. May the Lord deliver them, granting even greater opportunities to spread the good news of His unfailing love and salvation in this spiritually oppressed part of the world. To God be the praise and glory for what He is going to accomplish through the lives and witness of these faithful believers.

• Member of Embattled Church Freed!

  
  Telahoon Nogose Kassa
  Photo: Morning Star News

  Telahoon Nogose Kassa, head of discipleship at the embattled Khartoum Bahri Evangelical Church, was released after Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) arrested him without charges on December 13th, 2015. While it's unclear why Telahoon was released, according to Human Rights Watch, NISS can hold detainees for up to four-and-a-half months without judicial review.

  During the night of December 13th, NISS agents went to the home of the 36-year-old Christian leader, ordering him to report to their offices. Upon doing so the following day, officials arrested Telahoon and took him to a detention centre in Khartoum.

  No reasons for the arrest were given, though Telahoon was questioned for five consecutive days about his relationship with a foreign missionary who had attended a discipleship class. Sources believe that he was targeted for his Christian activities and his opposition to government interference with the church.

  Khartoum Bahri Evangelical Church has fought a government takeover of its property. Telahoon's arrest came four months after two South Sudanese pastors, Rev. Peter Yein Reith and Rev. Yat Michael, were released following eight months in prison on false charges of capital crimes due to their attempts to defend the church against the illegal sale of its property.

  Although we are praising God for the safe return of Telahoon, and for the previously granted release of the two South Sudanese pastors, we do ask for prayer on behalf of a pastor from another church who is still in detention. Authorities arrested Rev. Hassan Abdelrahim Tawor at his home on December 18th. While no charges have been brought against him, NISS officials were said to have objected to his Christian activities.

  More information about this case, as well as other reports on persecution in Sudan, are available at our Sudan Country Report. It is important to note that Sudan was recently subject to a United Nation's Universal Periodic Review on human rights abuses.