Sudan: Pastors’ Travel Ban Appeal Fails
By Joseph DeCaro, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Two South Sudanese pastors falsely accused of waging war against neighboring Sudan and who were released from prison last week have now lost an appeal to have their travel ban lifted.
According to Premier Christian Radio, Reverends Yat Michael and Peter Reith were unable to leave the country after it was revealed that Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Service had imposed the ban.
“It is deeply concerning that the travel ban was imposed by a paramilitary body with unfettered powers of arrest and detention,” said Mervyn Thomas, Christian Solidarity Worldwide Chief Executive. “Particularly worrying is the fact that the NISS’ functions and processes are not subject to judicial review.”
“This development may herald a new phase in the mistreatment of Reverends Michael and Reith, who instead of being held in prison are now being detained in Sudan against their will.
“As local efforts to assist the clergymen continue, CSW calls once again for urgent interventions with the Sudanese presidency from members of the international community who observed this case to ensure the travel ban is lifted and the pastors and their families can leave the country and resume their lives.”