There is "cautious" optimism about the fate of the pastors facing the death penalty for allegedly "spying" and for claiming that Christians are persecuted in Sudan.

Open Doors, the charity that serves persecuted Christians around the world, reports that after many delays this year, Sudanese pastors Hassan Kodi and Kuwa Shamal, along with graduate Abdulmonem Abdumawla and Czech aid worker Petr Jasek, have appeared in court again.

Their lawyers have now been able to begin their defence.

"Observers are cautiously optimistic about the process thus far, but ask that we continue to pray for the Lord's undertaking for the lawyers, and for His grace to the men and their families as they continue to face uncertainty," a source told Open Doors.

They will be back in court next Monday.

The trial has been adjourned repeatedly, most recently because the prosecution failed to prepare adequately.

All four men are accused of spying and face the death penalty if convicted.

According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Jasek is charged with propagating false news. He, Taour, Shamal and Abdumawla face at least seven charges including waging war against the state. One charge against the pastors is that they propagated news about churches being burned down in Khartoum and bombed in the Nuba mountains, where Christians are classed as "atheists".

On the Open Doors' 2016 World Watch List, Sudan is ranked eighth. The organisation is continuing to ask for prayers for the four defendants.