Sudan: Trial continues as family visits permitted

As the prosecution in the trial of Reverend Hassan Abduraheem, Reverend Kuwa Shamal and Mr Abdulmonem Abdumawla continues to outline its case, their families have finally been allowed to visit them in prison.

Reverend Abduraheem, Reverend Shamal and Mr Abdumawla are accused of at least seven crimes, including waging war against the state (Article 51 of the Sudanese Criminal Code) and espionage (Article 53), which carry the death penalty as the maximum sentence.

During hearings on 29 August, 1 September and 5 September, the prosecutor gave the case investigator the opportunity to outline the evidence allegedly gathered against the men.

Reverends Abduraheem and Shamal have been held since December 2015 and May 2016 respectively. Mr Abdumawla has also been detained since December 2015. The men were transferred to Al-Huda Prison in Omdurman on 11 July, and on 29 August they were permitted family visits and regular access to their legal team for the first time after several requests.

The case against Reverend Abduraheem and Mr Abdumawla revolves around a request for assistance with medical costs from a young Darfuri man named Ali Omer. Mr Omer was injured during a demonstration in 2013 and was left with severe burns that require regular medical care. His friend Mr Abdumawla began collecting funds towards his medical expenses from various organisations and individuals. Through a colleague, Mr Abdumawla was put in contact with Reverend Abduraheem, who donated money towards Mr Omer’s treatment. 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.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, “These men have committed no crime. Reverend Abduraheem and Mr Abdumawla responded with compassion to a request for medical assistance and Reverend Shamal’s only connection to this case is his friendship with Reverend Abduraheem and his senior position as a church leader. We urge the government to end the harassment and targeting of religious and ethnic minorities by the security services, as has clearly occurred in this case, and to uphold the civil rights of all Sudanese citizens. While commending the decision to allow these men to receive visits from their families and legal representatives, we call on the government to ensure this access continues for the duration of the trial in keeping with fair trial principles.”