Sudanese opposition party appeals suspension that followed arrest of leader in alleged coup plot

KHARTOUM, Sudan, April 6, 2004 (AP) — The opposition Popular Congress, suspended last week after its leader was detained in an alleged coup plot, appealed to Sudan ‘s highest court Tuesday to overturn the suspension, saying it was unconstitutional.

The party’s defense council, headed by Ali Mahmood Hassanain, said the suspension would deprive a large number of citizens of their constitutional rights, including their right to take part in political activities. A copy of the appeal was obtained by The Associated Press.

It was not clear when and if the constitutional court would study the appeal and issue a verdict.

The Popular Congress was suspended by the Registrar of Political Parties and Organizations on Thursday based on a law that prevents political parties from involvement in any use of force or violence.

Party leader Hassan Turabi, an Islamic fundamentalist and former ally of the president, has been accused of inciting sedition, sabotage, hatred against the state and undermining the regime.

About 30 other people were detained in relation to the alleged plot to overthrow President Omar el-Bashir, including other senior Popular Congress members, policemen and soldiers.

Turabi’s party has denied any involvement in the alleged coup attempt. The party said the plot involved members of the security forces in the western province of Darfur, where local tribes have been in revolt since early 2003.