PHOTOS: First images of Sudan jailed opposition leader
By Wasil Ali
August 26, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese authorities allowed a jailed opposition leader to recieve medical treatement for the first time since his arrest.
The former presidential assistant was arrested mid-July along with a number of retired army generals, including retired general Mohamed Ali Hamid, who worked as deputy director of security in the late eighties, as well as former minister of tourism, Abdeljalil al-Basha.
Al-Fadil was escorted to the hospital under tight security. Members of the security were present with him during the procedure.
A statement issued by Al-Fadil’s office quoted the doctors examining al-Fadil saying that his situation requires “requires significant monitoring and rest”.
Al-Fadil was returned to detention following the procedure.
The first photographs of Al-Fadil were leaked in which he appeared tired and pale, yet alert.
Sudan’s Justice Minister Mohamed Ali al-Mardi has said last week that charges were being brought against 25 people but declined to say whether Al-Fadil was among them.
Sources speaking by phone to Sudan Tribune from Khartoum said that security services have been unable to get a confession from the alleged coup leaders including Al-Fadil.
Al-Fadil’s lawyers have said that they were denied access to him despite assurances by the Justice ministry.
The statement described this as ‘delay tactics’ being employed by the authorities.
Al-Fadil was appointed as a presidential adviser for economic affairs in 2002 but was sacked after making contacts with the United States without Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir’s consent.
(ST)