11th August, 2015
Two South Sudanese pastors released from prison in Sudan last week have failed in an attempt to have a ban prohibiting them from leaving the country overturned, according to religious freedom organisation Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
Rev Yat Michael and Rev Peter Reith had appealed the travel ban – which had been issued in March – after they were stopped trying to leave the country at Khartoum Airport last week. Arrested more than six months ago, they had been released from jail on 5th August for time served after Rev Michael was convicted of "inciting hatred" and Rev Reith of breaching public peace and more serious charges – which could have seen them face a death sentence – were dropped.
Lawyers for the two men attended court on 9th August to petition for the travel ban to be lifted but, according to UK-based CSW, they were informed the court had no authority to rule on the issue because the ban had been imposed by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).
The lawyers were meeting representatives of the NISS on 10th August to try and have the ban lifted. At the time of publication, the outcome of that meeting was not yet known.
Mervyn Thomas, chief executive of CSW, said it was "deeply concerning" that the travel ban was imposed by the NISS, "a paramilitary body with unfettered powers of arrest and detention", the actions of which were "not subject to judicial review".
"This development may herald a new phase in the mistreatment of Revs Michael and Reith, who instead of being held in prison are now being detained in Sudan against their will".
– DAVID ADAMS
FOR PREVIOUS:
South Sudanese pastors released from jail this week prevented from leaving Sudan, says CSW… | more… |
Two South Sudanese pastors on trial released, serious charges dropped… | more… |
