ICC Note:
Yesterday, a Sudanese court released one of the four Christians imprisoned for crimes against the state. All of these charges are punishable by death. Three Sudanese pastors and a Czech Christian aid worker were arrested at different points throughout 2015. Over the last year, there has been global condemnation of the Christians’ imprisonment, especially since they were arrested after helping raise money for a boy badly injured and recording information on Christian persecution. Kwa Shamaal’s acquittal is a victory that brings hope for the other three still imprisoned.  
1/4/2017 Somalia (Baptist Press) – A court in Khartoum, Sudan, released a pastor from prison Jan. 2 after acquitting him of charges punishable by the death penalty, sources said.
Kwa (also spelled Kuwa) Shamaal was acquitted of charges ranging from spying to inciting hatred against the government, his attorney Muhanad Nur said.
“Yes, he was released today after the court found that he was not guilty of the charges brought against him,” said Nur, part of the team of lawyers defending Shamaal and three other Christians.
Head of missions of the Sudanese Church of Christ (SCOC), Shamaal had been arrested without charges from his home more than a year ago on Dec. 18, 2015. Three other Christians are also facing charges, and Nur expressed hope for their release. The next court hearing is scheduled for Jan 9.
SCOC church leaders expressed joy upon Shamaal’s release. “Thank God for his release,” one leader said. “We were sure he was innocent.”
…
[Full Story]