Reverends Hassan Abduraheem and Kuwa Shamal, who have been in
held without charge in cramped police holding cells for several months, were
moved to Al-Huda Prison, in North Omdurman, 11 August. Their first trial date
is set for 14 August.
Reverend Abduraheem, who has been in detention since December
2015, and Reverend Shamal, who has been held since May, are charged jointly
with Mr Abdulmonem Abdumawla, a graduate from Darfur who has been
in detention since December 2015.
The men are accused of at least seven crimes including complicity to execute a
criminal agreement (Article 21 of the Sudanese Criminal Code); waging war
against the state (Article 51); espionage (Article 53); calling for opposition
of the public authority by violence or criminal force (Article 63); exciting
hatred between classes (Article 64); propagation of false news article (Article
66); and entry and photograph of military areas and equipment (Article 57). The
maximum sentence for waging war against the state (article 51) and espionage
(article 53) is the death penalty.
The case against the
three men revolves around a request for medical assistance from a young
Darfuri man named Ali Omer. Mr Omer was injured during a demonstration at the
Quran Karim University in Omdurman in mid-2015 and was left with severe burns
that require regular medical care. His friend Mr Abdumawla began
collecting funds for medical treatment from various organisations and
individuals. Through a colleague, Mr Abdumawla was put in contact with Reverend
Abduraheem, who donated money for Mr Omer’s treatment.
In April 2015, a senior member of the student wing of the
ruling National Congress Party (NCP) died when 150 NCP students violently attacked
Darfuri students who were holding a meeting at the Sharg El Nil College in
Khartoum. Since that incident, Darfuri students have been increasingly targeted
by the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS). By May 2015, over
100 Darfuri students were detained by NISS in Khartoum and during 2016, NISS
has violently supressed peaceful student demonstrations against government
repression.
The case against Reverend Shamal appears to be related to his
friendship with Reverend Abduraheem and his senior position in the Sudan Church
of Christ.
This is second consecutive year in which the Sudanese
authorities have charged church leaders with crimes that carry the death
penalty. Reverends Yat Michael
and Peter Reith , who faced similar charges, were released in August 2015.
Since the separation of South Sudan, President al Bashir has
repeatedly called for a constitution based solely on Shari’a law, which would offer no guarantees for religious minorities. The case against
Reverends Abduraheem and Shamal comes at
a time when severe restrictions are being applied against Christians by the
government though NISS, which has arrested six clergymen and two lay members from three denominations since December 2015, requiring them to report
to their offices daily as a condition of release. Additionally, several church buildings
are under threat of demolition or seizure.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s Chief Executive Mervyn
Thomas said, “We are deeply concerned to learn of the serious charges levelled
against Reverend Hassan Abduraheem and Mr.
Abdulmonem Abdumawla simply for seeking to assist with medical expenses,
and against Reverend Kuwa Shamal merely for being a Christian and a friend of
Reverend Abduraheem. These innocent men now face the possibility of a death
sentence on evidence that would not justify an arrest, let alone a conviction,
given its paucity. We call on the Sudanese Government
to ensure that this trial is conducted with respect to Fair Trial Principles,
which include regular access to legal representatives and family members. We also
urge the government to end the harassment and targeting of Darfuri students and
Christians by NISS and to uphold the rights of every Sudanese citizen,
regardless of their religion or ethnicity.”
Notes to Editors:
1. Click here to take urgent action on this case.