Opposition 'incited hatred'
2004-04-05 09:52
Khartoum, Sudan - Sudanese authorities on Saturday officially accused detained opposition leader and Islamic fundamentalist Hassan Turabi of inciting sedition, sabotage, hatred against the state and undermining the regime.
The official Sudan Media Centre said the government has lodged an complaint against Turabi, who was detained on Wednesday after police also arrested members of his Popular National Congress and some military officers in an alleged plot to overthrow President Omar el-Bashir.
It is not clear if Turabi will face court on these charges or undergo further questioning. His lawyer, Abdel Salam Gizouli, could not be immediately reached for comment.
The media centre said a Khartoum criminal law attorney will handle the case against Turabi, which marks the first time the government has issued specific accusations against the detained opposition leader.
The government has arrested about 30 people in relation to the alleged coup plan, including Turabi, senior members of his party, policemen and soldiers, including a colonel. Authorities also closed the party's Khartoum headquarters and provincial offices.
- AP