Source: Middle East Concern, April 19, 2021
After a two-day postponement, several people detained since January had their first hearing in Hargeisa with various international observers present. They are charged with offenses against the state religion (Islam) and inciting others to disobey laws relating to public order. Three of them are also charged with apostasy, as well as spreading and teaching Christianity. Their hearing will continue on April 27.
The charges followed raids on January 21 and 22, 2021, when police arrested Mohamed and Hamdi [as well as] an Ethiopian woman, Aster, and Hamdi A, a Somali woman. Mohamed and Hamdi’s baby was detained with them. In February additional arrests took place.
On April 17, Aster, Hamdi A., and an Ethiopian man were released and deported.
Somali Christians request continued prayer:
- Thanking God for the release of the two Ethiopians and Hamdi A. and for their physical and emotional recovery.
- That the remaining detainees, including Mohamed and Hamdi, will experience God’s closeness and strength, especially during court hearings.
- For a fair trial to be held, that ongoing advocacy efforts will bear fruit and that those detained will be released soon.
- For strength, wisdom, and boldness for the lawyer who represents the people arrested in January.
Read the full story. Barnabas Fund adds, “Islam is the official religion of Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Its constitution states that individuals have the right to freedom of belief. However, the constitution also prohibits Muslims from converting to another religion, bars the propagation of any religion other than Islam and stipulates all laws must comply with the general principles of [Islamic law].”
Also from Middle East Concern, see Iran: Four Converts Arrested.
And from elsewhere in Africa, read Chad Faces Uncertainty as Reelected President Dies on Frontline (INcontext Ministries). The article says, “A time of fear and uncertainty provides a special opportunity for the Church in Chad to display extraordinary peace and hope, despite troubling circumstances.” Might that be true of believers in many places.