Two detained pastors’ whereabouts unknown in Sudan

The whereabouts of two pastors of the Christian Church in Sudan, detained in December 2015, remain unknown, activists reported. “Both are at risk of torture.”

The families of Hassan Abdelrahim Kodi and Telal Ngosi and the church authority are prevented from visiting them, the Human Rights and Development Organization (Hudo) Centre writes in an urgent appeal for a fair treatment of the detainees.

The pastors were detained by the Sudanese security service on 18 December and interrogated about their participation in a Christian conference in Addis Ababa, the organisation reported. They are still in detention for unknown reasons, and the security service has refused to disclose their location.

“Already Kodi is known to be suffering from duodenal ulcers, therefore any ill-treatment could aggravate his condition,” HUDO said.

The organisation called upon the authorities to reveal their whereabouts and charge them with a recognisable offence or unconditionally release them immediately. They demand to be ensured that the pastors are not subjected to any ill-treatment.

On 10 May, it was reported that pastor Kodi was referred to the State Security Prosecution in Khartoum.

In related events, Sudanese security personnel have reportedly rearrested a church leader who were also detained last December.

Pastor Kuwa Shemaal, the head of Missions in the Sudanese Church of Christ (SCOC) was re-arrested on Wednesday in Khartoum. He is accused of spying for unfriendly countries, Radio Tamazuj reported.

Related:

Location of Sudanese pastors ‘unknown after arrest’ (23 February 2016) 

Two Sudanese pastors held in Khartoum (20 December 2015)