Sudan releases opposition member accused of participating in coup plot

September 8, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese authorities released on Sunday Youssef Mohamed Saleh Libis a prominent member of the opposition Popular Congress Party (PCP) after spending 12 years for allegedly attempting to overthrow Bashir’s regime with other Islamists supporting Hassan Al-Turabi.

In February 2001, the security apparatus arrested PCP leader Hassan Al-Turabi and a number of his supporters including the current vice-president Al-Haj Adam Youssef who rejoined the ruling National Congress Party later. Following the dissidence of 1999, Turabi supporters were accused several times of plotting to topple the government.

Libis had been sentenced to 15 years in prison for participating in an alleged coup. He remained in jail during all these years while the government pardoned and released many of those allegedly involved with him in the attempt.

The decision to release Youssef Libis was taken suddenly”, said Kamal Omer PCP political secretary who described the move as a “positive step”. He added that Libis remained in prison for 12 years without justification.”

Libis who is a Darfurian was known for his involvement in military operations carried in South Sudan against the then rebel SPLA.

Sources say security services preferred to keep him in prison, fearing that the former Mujahid passes the secret military information to rebel groups in western Sudan.

Turabi party is accused having close links with the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).

(ST)