Bank of Sudan denies freezing accounts of ex-NISS chief

December 28, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The Deputy of the Governor of Bank of Sudan, Badr Al-Deen Mahmud denied news reports that the bank has frozen the account of Salah Gosh, the former head of National Intelligence Security Services (NISS). I

In a statement to the private Blue Nile TV on Thursday Badr Al-Deen said that the central bank has been auditing the accounts and the assets of the former NISS director and some members in his family.

He further emphasised that only a judicial decision by the Sudanese courts can order them to freeze money and assets.

Gosh’s brother, Abdel-Azim Abdallah told the press that the central bank had circulated a letter to commercial banks requesting them to freeze Gosh’s accounts and to provide information about his wife and brother’s financial records.

He further alleged that the NISS deputy director informed him about his brother situation saying that they questioned Gosh about the activities of some of the companies owned by the Intelligence and Security Service during his administration.

Abdel Azim went to accuse some government figures of fabricating charges against his brother to disrupts his economic activities, adding “Everyone knows that Gosh has nothing to do with the detainees and military officers and he did not foment a coup d’état.”

Salah Gosh was arrested last November and remains in detention along with other officers accused over the coup attempt.

His arrest was described as a reflection of internal conflict between reformists and the dominant wing in the National Congress Party.

Some reports have predicted that the President will issue a declaration to free Gosh and other officers during the Independent celebration in first week of January 2013.

(ST)