Sudanese security releases opposition NUP deputy leader

September 8, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s security service released deputy leader of the National Umma Party (NUP) Marriam al-Mahdi on Monday after nearly one-month of extra-judiciary detention following a meeting with rebel groups in the French capital.

Al-Mahdi had been arrested upon her arrival to Khartoum airport on 11 August after taking part in talks with the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) that led to the signing of Paris Declaration.

The opposition party announced late on Monday evening that the NUP vice-president was freed and released some pictures where she was appears hugging her family members.

She is also expected to hold a press conference on midday over the conditions of her detention.

Al-Mahdi did not face any charges and did not appear before a court. She was jailed at Omdurman Prison for women.

Following the signing of Paris Declaration which calls for a genuine national dialogue and the inclusion of rebel groups in the political process, the NUP leader Sadiq al-Mahdi returned to the Egyptian capital Cairo where he is based currently.

The National Congress Party (NCP) political secretary Mustafa Osman Ismail played down calls by some members of the ruling party to arrest al-Mahdi when he returns to the country.

Also, observers in Khartoum say the arrest of Marriam al-Mahdi embarrassed some leading figures in the ruling party as it and put in evidence the lack of coordination between the political and security apparatuses.

However others say no such move can be undertaken without a green light from president Omer al-Bashir.

(ST)