Sudan’s NISS says two espionage suspects leaked minutes of presidential meetings
May 21, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – A witness from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) told the judge today that two contractors working for the Sudanese foreign ministry passed on “very serious” information including transcripts of presidential meetings.
In today’s court hearing, NISS officer by the name of Mutawakil Youssef said that the first defendant handed over classified information to the US agent and was planning to deliver more data before he was caught.
Youssef disclosed that the leaked information included documents on the visit of the speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives and the minutes of the meetings held between president Omer Hassan al-Bashir with his Kenyan counterpart and another with Ethiopian Prime Minister.
Among the reports passed on to the US agent was one discussing Khartoum’s position towards Kampala and another on diplomatic initiatives following South Sudan’s referendum on self-determination which Youssef described as confidential and strategic.
The first defendant also handed over a list of all national organizations in Sudan and secret intelligence on Egyptian organizations supporting al-Qaeda terrorist network.
The NISS officer emphasized that all the leaked documents pose a major national security threat as it represents a clear breach affecting national sovereignty, and creates a rift in the relationship between Sudan and the outside world.
The defense lawyer asked for releasing the defendants on bail asserting that the crime is a political one that has nothing to do with espionage.
But the prosecution objected saying bail should not be granted in cases where the defendants face the death penalty.
(ST)