Ex-sudanese President al-Bashir sentenced to two years for corruption

A court in Sudan has sentenced former President Omar al-Bashir to two years over graft and detained him in a state run reform center. He was charged with corruption and financial irregularities for the first of string of cases against him.

Al Bashir, who was in power for nearly 30years before he was removed by the military following several protests carried out by the people of Sudan, was convicted by a Court in the capital Khartoum on charges of illegal possession of foreign currency, illegal financial gains and graft.

Judge Al-sadiq confirmed the sentence of al-Bashir saying the court decided to send the ex-president to state run community reform center for 24 months because of his Age.

“The court decided to send him to a community reform centre for two years, under the law, those who reached the age of 70 shall not serve jail terms.” Said Al-sadiq.

The case against the 75 year old ex-president that led to his two years sentence revolved around millions of cash in different currencies found in his home days after he was ousted.

However, the former president pleaded not guilty to the charges arguing that he received $25m from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

His lawyers said that al Bashir was this week summoned to answer questions about the killing of protesters before he was overthrown and the 1989 Coup that brought him to power.

Demonstrations carried out by al-Bashir’s supporters were also reported in the Capital Khartoum following the Court ruling of the two years sentence. The demonstrators are demanding justice and accountability not just for Omar al-Bashir but for his ruling party, members of his cabinet and government.

Al-Bashir is currently being held in Kobar prison where he once sent many of his political foes.