The first trial hearing for the two Sudanese pastors jailed nearly eight months was postponed today in Sudan, an advocate defending the church leaders said.
Held without charge for nearly eight months, Rev. Hassan Abdelrahim and Pastor Kuwa Shamal were moved to Al-Huda Prison on 11 August.
The court which was scheduled for August 14 was postponed because the accused did not show up in the court following their transfer to Al Huda Prison last week.
Four advocates from Sudan’s Ministry of Justice showed up in the court representing the accuser, the National Intelligence and Security Services NISS, and 16 lawyers from the defending advocates were also present.
Upcoming trial hearings are scheduled for August 21 and August 29.
Since their transfer last week, families and relatives were denied visits. “Visits are not allowed,” said a relative of one of the two church leaders. She said she was told this by Al Huda Prison authorities.
Relatives of the two church leaders say there are no evidences for the arrest of their pastors. “There are no evidences against the two pastors,” said a relative to one of the two pastors
But lawyers say they might be charged with capital punishment if found guilty. Kwa Shamaal, head of missions for the Sudanese Church of Christ (SCOC), was arrested on December 18 last year together with his denominational colleague Rev. Hassan Abdelrahim.
Shamal was released on December 21 but was required to report to NISS office daily, a requirement which was removed on January 16. On May 25 Shamal was re-arrested and told that he and Hassan might face charges calling for death penalty.