South Sudan releases 2 pastors from prison

South Sudan releases 2 pastors from prison

JUBA, South Sudan — Two South Sudanese pastors on trial for crimes calling for the death penalty were convicted on lesser counts Aug. 5 and released on time served, sources said.

Yat Michael, 49, was convicted of “inciting hatred,” according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), for delivering a message of encouragement to a North Khartoum church in December 2014 in the face of a government-aided takeover of the congregation’s property. 

Peter Yein Reith, 36, was convicted of “breaching public peace,” CSW reported, following his Jan. 11 arrest for submitting a letter from leaders of their denomination, the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church, inquiring about the whereabouts of Michael.

Michael had been arrested following his homily Dec. 14. An international outcry erupted over their weeks-long incarceration without charges after the news broke Dec. 28, 2014, of Michael’s arrest.

The wives of the pastors expressed their happiness.

“They have been just released after the court found them innocent of the more serious charges against them,” one of the wives said. “Tell the whole church that God has heard your prayers and the pastors are now free. They have been released.”

(MS)