Sudanese opposition leader hospitalized as his party vows to topple government

April 10, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The detained leader of the Islamic opposition Popular Congress Party (PCP) Hassan Al-Turabi was taken early Saturday to Sahiroon hospital in Khartoum to undergo a medical check-up after he sustained injuries a week ago in Kober prison where he is being detained since January.

Sources tell Sudan tribune that Turabi fell to the ground when he was performing ablution to prepare for prayer adding that security authorities allowed only members of his immediate family to see him.

Meanwhile Turabi’s daughter Omama said that her father was undergoing medical examination at the hospital but the doctors did not yet give a clear assessment of his condition.

Turabi apparently sustained bruises in his back and his family say that the incident illustrates the bad conditions under which the 79-year-old opposition leader is being held.

The PCP’s secretary general Kamal Omer told Sudan Tribune that they would not resort to dialogue with the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) for the sake of allowing Turabi to travel abroad for medical treatment.

He stressed that they have completely closed the window for negotiations with the NCP and decided to work towards regime-change.

Omer said he was optimistic that the downfall of the government is imminent saying that the government is currently suffering from a state of internal disagreements.

Turabi’s wife told Sudan tribune this month that the authorities were keeping him detained because they fear his ability to incite a popular uprising.

(ST)