NORTH KHARTOUM, Sudan — Police in North Khartoum, Sudan, beat, arrested and fined 38 Christians worshipping at Khartoum Bahri Evangelical Church on Dec. 2, sources said.
After nearly two weeks of raiding and demolishing church property, officers armed with guns and batons arrived at the church compound at 6:30 a.m. on two trucks accompanied by seven smaller vehicles and broke through the main gate, beating whoever they found in the church complex. Security personnel surrounded the complex preventing people from entering or leaving.
Police then started to beat worshippers and arrested 38 for refusing to surrender the property.
“We have enjoyed worshipping and praising God in prison,” one of the arrested Christians said. “The power of God was present among us. Let the name of God be praised and glorified from now and evermore.”
Police severely beat church elder Daud Bashir and tore his clothes. Officers also beat a female member who was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Police took the Christians to Khartoum North Police Station before they were transferred to Khartoum North Court. The charges against them included Article 77 of the notorious Public Order Law of 1991, which gives police broad powers to arrest Christians and others without cause, for creating a public disturbance.
The Christians were released Dec. 3 after being sentenced to pay a fine of $250 each, sources said.
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