Sudan: Trial of ex-President Omar al-Bashir over 1989 military coup postponed on request

trial of ousted Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir was postponed on August 7 at request of his defence, a prosecution lawyer reportedly said. trial of Bashir along with 27 or co-accused, over military coup that brought him to power at least three deces ago, was opened with a short hearing in July. second hearing was set for August 11 but defence lawyers have requested a delay for three of defendants including  ex-Sudanese President and two former senior officials of National Congress Party, that was once in power but is w iperative.

One of prosecution lawyers, Moaz Hra told an international media ncy that lawyers of at least three defendants filed a petition at Court of Appeal to release three defendants on bail, after court h rejected request at trial’s first hearing on July 21. Hra also ded that Court of Appeal ‘must rule’ and n set a new date for trial. 

Bashir and or officials accused along with him could face death penalty if convicted over 1989 Islamist-backed overthrow of government that was elected democratically of Sudan Prime Minister Sek al-Mahi. According to reports, this is also first time in modern history of Arab world that mastermind of entire coup is tried for plotting a putsch. However, man dubbed true brain behind it, Hassan Turabi of National Islamic Front, h died in 2016.

ex-Sudanese President Bashir h retained power for at least 30 years before being overthrown on April 11, 2019, in wake of several months of unforeseen, youth-organised protests. trial also comes in backdrop of Sudan’s joint civilian-military transitional government is introducing a series of changes and has even resumed peace negotiations with rebel groups in country. 

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Mass grave likely to be linked to 1990 coup

delaying of second hearing of trial came after public prosecutor reportedly said in July-end that Sudanese authorities discovered a mass grave which is believed to contain bodies of at least 28 army officers shot in a failed coup against repressive former Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir in 1990. It was also second mass grave uncovered under Bashir’s era in as many months. 

transitional government after Bashir's overthrowing is jointly led by civilians as well as army generals and is seeking a path toward democratic elections. current ministration is also attempting to hold Bashir’s government accountable for atrocities committed by m during ir leership of three deces. 

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Im: AP

(With inputs from ncies)