Sudan frees two opposition figures after six month arrest

June 11, 2012 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese authorities released Monday two opposition leading figures after nearly six months of jail over charges of plotting with rebel groups and South Sudan to overthrow the regime.

Ibrahim Al-Sanosi was arrested together with Ali Shamar at Khartoum Airport on 19 December following their return from Juba. The security services said they held a plan to topple the regime with the rebels..

The Popular Congress Party (PCP) is accused of coordinating with the Sudan Revolutionary Forces (SRF) particularly the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM). The security service say the party of Hassan Al-Turabi plays the role of the “Fifth column” inside the capital.

Al-Sanosi told reporters in Khartoum after his release on the afternoon that he was in Nairobi and Juba to hand a peace initiative to JEM leadership. He further said he held positive meetings with them.

He stressed that the results of the PCP’s move “were in the interest of Sudan” without elaborating.

“But the authorities cut off the road and we were transferred to jail on charges of undermining the regime,” he said .

“And they accused me of intelligence with the South Sudan,” he said. ” I did not think that travelling to South Sudan is a charge worthy of punishment and accountability,” he further pointed out.

The over 70- year-old opponent went further to explain that they were mistreated and insulted during their jail without providing further details .
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He also denied claims that security forces seized documents calling to overthrow the regime adding that all what they got was the declaration of SRF alliance which is published in the electronic media.

The security services transferred Sanosi and Shamar on 12 May to the police to probe charges of undermining the regime and inciting hatred against the state.

The opposition party at the time accused the Sudanese authorities of circumventing the law to keep the political detainees in prison.

In accordance with the national security law, the security service have to free political detainees after a four and half month period of jail if they fail to prove the charges against them.

Sudanese government is fighting the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – North (SPLM-N) and accuses Juba’s ruling party of supporting its former members.

The rebel group also formed the SRF alliance with Darfur rebel groups and vow to topple the National Congress Party regime in Khartoum.

The NCP leaders accuse Turabi’s party of planning to organise protests in the capital in order to pave the way for the rebels to attack it.

(ST)