Sudan: Pastors face trumped-up charges of espionage

Written by Linda Digby 09 Jul 2015
Sudan: Pastors face trumped-up charges of espionage

A Sudanese and a South Sudanese pastor face impossible deadlines in their trial on 14 July for espionage. On 2 July, the Sudanese judge ordered the trial of the Presbyterian pastors, giving their defence attorney only 12 days to prepare and only 15 minutes to confer with his clients before their hearing. Pastor Yat Michael was arrested after delivering a sermon at the Evangelical Church in Khartoum. Pastor Yen was arrested when he delivered a letter to the Religious Affairs office asking about Michael's arrest. Both men are facing trumped-up charges by the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS). Amnesty International say the NISS is an agency ‘above the law.’ Sudan's constitution guarantees freedom of expression and religion, but in reality these rights do not exist. Pastor Michael and his wife were in Sudan seeking medical attention for their child when he was asked to speak at the church. If found guilty, Pastors Michael and Yen will be executed.

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