A Khartoum court on Wednesday freed two South Sudanese pastors after acquitting them on espionage charges.

Yat Michael and Peter Yen were arrested in Khartoum in December 2014 and January 2015 respectively. They were accused of spying and crimes against the state.

Judge Ahmed Ghaboush found each Christian pastor guilty on one charge, releasing them on the basis they had already served their sentences as they awaited trial.

“The sentence they served in prison is enough, release them immediately and return the mobile phones and laptops,” the AFP quoted Judge Ghaboush.

He convicted Michael of disturbing the public peace and Yen of creating and running a criminal group.

Outside the court, the men’s families rejoiced and sang, with some relatives breaking down in tears, the AFP observed.

It’s unclear whether the pastors will stay in Khartoum or return to South Sudan.