Sudanese opposition alleges govt plot to assassinate leader

KHARTOUM, Sudan, May 16, 2004 (PANA) — The opposition National Popular Congress (NPC) of Islamic fundamentalist Hassan el-Turabi has alleged that the Khartoum government was plotting to assassinate its leader under the pretext of an accident.

The government has arrested about 30 people, including Turabi, senior members of his party, policemen and soldiers, in connection with an alleged attempt to topple it.

Authorities have also closed the party’s Khartoum headquarters and its provincial offices.

Turabi’s party denies any involvement in the alleged coup attempt.

“Our party has been told by reliable sources that there is a government plot targeting Turabi’s physical assassination under the supervision of the high-ranking political and security officials,” said Ali Alhaj Mohammed, NPC deputy secretary general, in a press statement issued Saturday.