Christian pastors face possible death penalty for practicing faith in Sudan

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The location of Yat Michael Ruot and Peter Yein Reith is still unknown.

Presbyterian Christian preachers, Yat Michael Ruot and Peter Yein Reith, were reportedly detained by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) of Sudan for no apparent reason. Now, the humanitarian group, Open Doors USA is voicing out concern over this mysterious arrest, with the location of the pastors still unknown.

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Highlights

By Atarah Haely (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
5/28/2015 (8 years ago)

Published in Africa

Keywords: Pastors, Preachers, Christian, Detention, Sudan, Faith, Practice, Execution, Life Imprisonment, Human Rights, Violation

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - According to reports, many speculate the two will face either execution or life imprisonment for the practice of their faith.

Pastor Ruot was arrested on December 21, while in Khartoum, Sudan's capital, to find medical assistance for their child.

Ruot was asked to participate in a worship, concluding the services at the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church. Then he was arrested, with no explanation for why.

Those who detained him identified themselves as officials of the infamous government body, which has the capability to hold someone in prison for an indefinite amount of time.

After writing a letter asking for the reasons of Ruot's mysterious and alarming detention, Pastor Reith was arrested January 11.

According to the Fox News Report, the organization violated human rights laws for keeping the location of the two pastors unknown after months passed.

Open Doors USA reported that both pastors were charged with eight crimes on May 4, including the "disclosure and receipt of official information or documents, arousing feelings of discontent among regular forces, breach of public peace, and offenses relating to insulting religious beliefs."

They are also facing charges on waging war against the state and threatening the constitution, which could either lead them to the death penalty or life imprisonment.

"I'm fearful that they will execute these pastors for practicing their faith," said the CEO of Open Doors USA, David Curry, during an interview with Fox News.

Court proceedings are scheduled to begin May 31. Their families are afraid of what will happen next, Pastor Ruot's wife is asking for prayers for their release.

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