Trial of two pastors resumes in Khartoum

A criminal court in Khartoum today resumed its session in the trial of two Sudanese pastors Kowa Shamaal and Hassan Abdelrahim who were charged with espionage.

A criminal court in Khartoum today resumed its session in the trial of two Sudanese pastors Kowa Shamaal and Hassan Abdelrahim who were charged with espionage.

Milad Musa, a pastor of the Sudanese Christian Church, told Radio Tamazuj that the two clergymen were preaching peace and forgiveness only, saying the church  will try to defend itself from any case.

Musa urged human rights defenders to put pressure on government to allow the two pastors to see their families.

For his part, Yehya Abdelrahim, bishop of the Evangelical Church, vowed to support the two pastors of the Sudanese Christian Church, saying the trial is politically motivated. He pointed out that the church is facing a very difficult situation.

Separately, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) on Saturday called upon the United States Special Envoy Donald Booth to help to secure the release of the two pastors and activists in Khartoum.

Last week, a Khartoum criminal court began the trial of the two pastors, activist Abdelmunaim Abdel-Mullah and a Czech filmmaker. The four men are accused of conducting intelligence activities and providing support for the rebel group in South Kordofan.