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Sudan - copyright Geoff Pugh/REX
UK News

Two Christian women convicted of public indecency in Sudan

by Desmond Busteed

Ferdoos Eltoum and Rehab Omer Kakoum were part of a group of Christian women from the Nuba Mountains who were arrested on 25 June, after leaving a celebration service at the El Izba Baptist Church in Khartoum, Sudan.

Ms Eltoum's initial trial hearing was held on 6 July. Her legal team presented two witnesses; a church minister, who testified that her dress code did not violate Christian dress codes, and a Sudanese woman, who testified that Ms Eltoum's dress code did not violate Sudanese culture.

The judge did not make a ruling on the initial charge, but proceeded to charge Ms Eltoum on what she had worn to court and handed down a fine of 500 Sudanese Pounds (SDP, or £54).

When Ms Eltoum appeared in court on 13 July for a ruling on her original charge, the judge refused to allow her lawyer, Mohaned Mustafa, to remain in court to defend her.

After Mr Mustafa left the court room and another lawyer stepped in to defend Ms Eltoum, the judge found her guilty for what she was wearing on the evening of 25 June, but gave no sentence, despite a legal requirement to do so.

Ms Rahab Omer Kakoum's hearing was on 14 July. She was also found guilty and sentenced to a fine of 500 (SDP, or £54) or two months imprisonment if she does not pay the fine.

In a direct violation of Sudanese criminal procedure, prior to his ruling, the judge reportedly allowed the prosecution to present its case and prevented the defence from presenting witnesses or any arguments.

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), said: "We are deeply concerned by the increased use of criminal procedures to target young Christian women in Sudan. These cases highlight wider concerns regarding the mistreatment of religious and ethnic minorities in Sudan, especially those from Nuba Mountains.

"We call upon the Sudanese government to repeal or amend Article 152 and to uphold its obligations under international law by acquitting Ferdoos Eltoum and Rehab Omer Kakoum and dropping the charges against the other young women in their group."

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