KHARTOUM, Sudan — A Czech missionary who also works as a journalist was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison by a Sudanese court Jan. 29 for taking video of government authorities persecuting Christians.
Petr Jasek was found guilty of espionage, allegedly for spreading rumors aimed at undermining the State, conducting nongovernmental organization work without a permit, taking pictures of military areas and entering Sudan illegally, The Christian Post reported.
The espionage charge alone carried a 20-year sentence.
Security officers at the airport in Khartoum took Jasek into custody in December 2015 after finding his video and written materials about the conflict in the Nuba Mountains. The Sudanese government has been accused of targeting civilians in rebel-controlled areas of that conflict, according to the Post.
He also was accused of releasing reports showing the persecution of Christians.
A local pastor, Hassan Abduraheem Kodi Taour, and a young Darfuri man, Abdulmonem Abdumawla, each received a 10-year prison sentence for aiding Jasek with espionage. All three received additional smaller sentences for the other charges.
The Czech Foreign Ministry said a deputy foreign minister will travel to Sudan soon to attempt to negotiate Jasek’s release.
Czech officials say Jasek was in Sudan to help local Christians, according to the Post. (TAB)
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