Sudan’s former spy chief formally charged, could face death penalty
June 16, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The defense team for the former director of Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) Salah Gosh were dealt a blow today after authorities formally charged him in connection with a coup attempt thwarted last year.
Yesterday Gosh’s lawyer said that he expects his client to be freed on Sunday and expressed confidence that the prosecution will fail to come up with evidence worthy enough of warranting a trial.
But the prosecution today succeeded in getting charges filed against Gosh and his associate Major General Salah Ahmed Abdalla.
He will face charges that include undermining the constitutional order, inciting violence to topple the legitimate government and breaching the anti-terrorism law.
Standing inside a cage, Gosh told the judge that he categorically objects to the charges and declared his intention to appeal them.
The pre-trial court session, which was held amid tightened security and in the presence of the families of the detainees, has decided to confirm the charges following the conclusion of the preliminary investigation conducted by a committee from the justice ministry.
The head of the committee Osama Ahmed Abdalla decided to extend the detention of Gosh for one more week pending referring the case to court.
Gosh’s charges falls under articles 21, 50, 63 of the criminal penal act which are punishable by death or life imprisonment or imprisonment and fines with the possibility of confiscation of property as well as articles 5, 6 of the anti-terrorism act.
The ex-spy chief’s supporters who attended the session chanted “We will defend you by our souls and blood” when he appeared at the court arena.
President Bashir twice issued decrees over the last two months pardoning and commuting sentences for army and security officers convicted in connection with the coup.
However, the Sudanese president excluded his former adviser and ex-director of NISS.
Sources with knowledge of the ongoing investigation into the recent coup attempt have told Sudan Tribune that Gosh and the four security officers detained with him refused to demand the presidential pardon as it was done by the military.
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 revoked Gosh’s parliamentary immunity to allow for his prosecution.
(ST)