Final Ruling for Two South Sudan Pastors Due Today

Today, August 5th, the final ruling on the case of the two pastors in prison in Sudan will be delivered by the presiding judge.

Last Thursday, the defence lawyers for South Sudanese pastors, Yat Michael and Peter Yen, had their final hearing before the judge. They asked for the case to be dropped because the defence team has refuted all the accusations against the pastors, and because there was no clear evidence in the case. They also argued that their clients were arrested illegally by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).

“Justice requires that you don’t judge simply because you doubt without any concrete evidence,” one lawyer said.

The lawyer also said Yat Michael did not violate Sudan’s law when he was preaching in Khartoum Bahri Evangelical Church because he was just carrying out his duty as a pastor. In addition, he raised concerns over the fact that Yat Michael and Peter Yen were being tried illegally for insulting religion.

“To urge believers to be zealous for their church is not an insult against God,” the lawyer said.

He called on the court to respect Sudan’s constitution above the powers of the NISS, and concluded that the court should accept their appeal and drop the charges for lack of evidence.

“These charges are built on sand,” the lawyers concluded.

The court has now questioned both of the accused pastors and listened to both defence and prosecution teams. The charges against the two pastors include spying against Sudan and leaking information against Sudan, both of which carry the death sentence.

• Pray for the two Pastors, for peace as they await the ruling in their case. Pray that they will know the loving presence of God around them, and that they and their families are held in His hands.
• Pray for justice to be done, for the charges to be dropped and the pastors released to return to their homes and families.
• Pray for Sudan, for Christians living and working there who face a growing opposition in the face of fundamental Islam.
• Pray for the spread of the Gospel in Sudan and healing of this troubles nation.

Psalm 23 vs 4: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Source: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/newsroom