The VP/HR is monitoring, through the EU Delegation in Khartoum, the human rights situation in Sudan, including with regard to freedom of religion and belief and individual cases of human rights violations against Christians. Since December 2015, the EU Delegation has recorded nine cases of short and long term detention that seem to be directly or indirectly related to the (in some cases alleged) Christian faith of the concerned individuals. These include six pastors, one church member and two individuals accused of being converts. Among them are Rev. Hassan Abduraheem Kodi Taour, Rev. Kuwa Shamal Abazmam Kurri and Mr Abdulmonem Abdumawla Issa Abdumawla, who remain in detention. All others have been released.

The EU Delegation has been in regular contact with the legal teams following these cases and has inquired about the reasons for the detentions with the authorities. The Government of Sudan suspects that the pastors have had contacts with armed opposition groups and considers this to be a security case.

In early June 2016, charges were pressed against Rev. Taour, Rev. Kurri and Mr Abdumawla under art. 50 (undermining the constitutional system), 51 (waging war against the state), 53 (espionage), 55 (disclosing and obtaining information and official documents) and 64 (provoking hatred against or amongst sects) of the 1991 Criminal Code. Several of these charges carry the death penalty. The defendants were handed over to the authority of the General Prosecutor, but the trial is yet to start.

The EU Delegation could attend the court hearings if it is considered appropriate. It will also continue to raise the issue of freedom of religion and belief with the Government of Sudan.