Freed Coptic priest denies being subjected to torture
May 25, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Priest of Holy Mary Coptic Orthodox Church in South Darfur capital, Nyala, Gabriel Anthony, in his first statements since his release Tuesday said he had not been subjected to physical torture throughout the duration of his abduction.
Dozens of the followers of the Orthodox Church accompanied by NISS officers have received Anthony Wednesday in Khartoum.
Anthony told reporters upon his arrival that the abduction experience was tough saying he missed his family however he didn’t elaborate on how he has been freed from his kidnappers.
The Coptic Orthodox Church in Khartoum is expected to decide later on whether Anthony will be allowed to return to Nyala or not after considering the details of the incident and its possible developments.
Nyala is the home of hundreds of Sudanese Copts since 70 years ago. Also, the Sudanese Coptic Church is officially recognized, and exempt from property tax.
NISS representative Abdallah al-Sharif pointed that they dealt with the incident as top priority, saying they determined Anthony’s location since the first day of abduction but decided to take the necessary measures slowly to preserve his safety.
In a press conference held in Nyala Tuesday to announce the liberation of the priest, South Darfur Governor Adam al-Faki praised the efforts exerted by the security service to secure his release but he didn’t elaborate on the conditions of his freedom or the identity of the kidnappers.
South Darfur has witnessed over the last two years a wave of kidnapping, murder and looting which prompted state authorities to declare an indefinite emergency situation and impose a daily curfew in 2014.
The decision also banned riding of motorcycles by more than one person, holding weapons while wearing civilian clothes, vehicles driving around without license plates, and wearing a kadamool (a turban which covers the face).
During the recent visit of President Omer al-Bashir to Nyala, the Governor Adam al-Faki promised to lift the state of emergency soon after the improvement of the security situation.
(ST)