Released South Sudanese pastors arrive in Juba

Two South Sudanese pastors have arrived home after a detention of eight months in Khartoum for multiple charges, including espionage.

The clergymen arrived at the airport of Juba, capital of South Sudan, this (Wednesday) morning, seemingly in good health.

They were welcomed by leaders of the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church and members of their local congregation. The crowd was exclaiming: “Praise be to God for their safe arrival.”

“This is a great day for our pastors”, a church member said.

The pastors were taken to Evangelical Church in Juba's Hai Jebel for a thanksgiving prayer service.

Rev. Yat Ruot was detained by officers of the Sudan National Intelligent and Security Services (NISS) in December after preaching in the Presbyterian Evangelical Church in Khartoum North. His colleague Yein Reith was held in January after delivering a letter to the Ministry of Guidance and Religious Endowment asking about the whereabouts of Ruot.

Both were held incommunicado until 1 March, when they were charged by the NISS of offending Islam, punishable by flogging, and undermining the constitutional order and espionage, which potentially carry the death penalty or life imprisonment. The pastors repeatedly denied the charges. The NISS also imposed a travel ban.

On 5 August, the judge found both clergymen guilty of the charges. Yet, he decided that the period they served in detention was sufficient punishment.

The pastors were released immediately. The following day, however, authorities at Khartoum International Airport halted them when they were preparing to board an air craft heading to Juba. They informed the pastors that they were banned from leaving the country.

Photo: pastors Yat Michael and Peter Yen in court during a trial session in Khartoum (charismanews.com)