Christian Entity Condemns Sentencing of Pastor in Sudan, Says “deplorable injustice”

“We call for an urgent review of this decision, and for his conviction and sentence to be quashed, particularly in light of the overwhelming evidence presented during his trial that attests to his innocence,” Mr. Mervyn says. 

The CSW official further says that the judge’s justification for this sentence “lacks validity.” 

He adds that the invalidity comes as Mr. Kodi, who is known locally as ‘Banaga’, "confessed with pride that he had forced his way into the church and attacked the Pastor at a church service" during the Court hearings. 

CSW President says by convicting the Pastor, the judge “only serves to further damage social cohesion and relationships between communities in the area.”

“It panders to extremist sentiments that have emerged in recent months, further erodes the rule of law, and diminishes the trust of religious and belief minorities in governance and justice mechanisms,” Mr. Mervyn adds, referencing the April 25 verdict. 

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CSW officials have previously lamented the restricted freedom of religion in Sudan. 

In January, the Founder President of the Christian human rights entity said the restrictions on freedom of religion in Sudan have increased in the aftermath of the 25 October 2021 coup in the Northeastern African nation.

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.