Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sudanese priests face crucifixion

Gary Finn
Saturday 05 December 1998 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A SWISS-BASED human rights group said yesterday two Sudanese Catholic priests could face crucifixion if convicted on what it called "trumped up charges" of plotting against the Khartoum government.

Christian Solidarity International (CSI) also appealed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, to look into a mass trial that began in the Sudanese capital in October.

In its letter, made available at the UN European headquarters in Geneva, CSI said its appeal related "to a threat of crucifixion that would horrify Christians worldwide and the international community".

The Washington Post reported yesterday that the Reverend Hillary Boma and another priest were on trial for detonating almost a dozen bombs around Khartoum on June 30 in an alleged plot to mar official celebrations of the ninth anniversary of the coup in Sudan. Father Boma, 57, is identified as the chancellor of the archdiocese of Khartoum.

Sudan has blamed the bombings on the opposition alliance fighting the government for more independence in the mostly Christian south.

Khartoum's treatment of Christians came under the spotlight a year ago when the US imposed sanctions on Sudan for denial of religious freedom. Sudan rejects the charge.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in