Ousted Sudanese president Omar Al-Bashir
KHARTOUM, Sept 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The trial of Sudan’s toppled strongman Omar al-Bashir over his role in the 1989 military coup that brought him to power was adjourned to Sept 22.
The trial judge said the hearing was “procedural” and that requests were being considered to change the packed courtroom to meet coronavirus measures.
The short-lived trial was broadcast on Sudan TV. Bashir was on trial with 27 other defendants, who could face the death penalty.
Bashir, who seized power in a military coup in 1989, stayed in power for 30 years before being overthrown on April 11, 2019 after several months of youth-led street demonstrations.
Bashir is also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face charges of genocide and crimes against humanity in the western region of Darfur.
The United Nations estimates 300,000 people were killed and 2.5 million displaced in the conflict since 2003.
Sudan’s transitional government has agreed that Bashir would face the ICC.
However, an Aug 31 peace deal with rebel groups includes the commitment to set up a special court for crimes in Darfur, and that Bashir should also stand trial before that. — NNN-AGENCIES