Trial of Sudan’s former intelligence director postponed – lawyer

May 16, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The trial of Sudan’s former director of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) Salah Gosh has been postponed until next Monday, one his lawyers said today.

Nabil Adeeb, a member of Gosh’s defense team, said he expects his client to be released by the second hearing due to lack of evidence implicating him in an alleged coup attempt foiled last year by Sudanese authorities.

He also dismissed rumours which circulated in the capital that Gosh has escaped prison.

Sources told Sudan Tribune that the prosecution was unable to transport Gosh and three of his aides to the courtroom as there were no available vehicles to transport them.

Gosh was one of the key figures arrested in connection with the coup attempt which also included military figures that were later convicted but released under a presidential amnesty for some and commuting for others.

But the once-powerful figure has not been a beneficiary of the amnesty as he has yet to stand trial amid reports that authorities have failed to come up with sufficient evidence to prosecute him.

Sources say that authorities are reluctant to release him given the secrets he holds on the regime during his time as spy chief.

Gosh’s arrest marked the downfall of the once powerful spy chief who is better known for his deep cooperation with the United States on counter-terrorism following September 2001 attacks in Washington and New York.

He was surprisingly dismissed from his position in 2009 before being appointed as a presidential adviser for security.

In 2011 he was abruptly sacked by president Bashir from the position following an imbroglio between him and the powerful presidential assistant Nafie Ali Nafie over dialogue with opposition parties. He was later stripped of his position within the NCP and only maintained his seat in the Sudanese parliament.

The Sudanese parliament recently revoked Gosh’s parliamentary immunity to allow for his prosecution.

(ST)