KHARTOUM: Sudan’s ousted president Omar al Bashir was charged in court on Saturday with illegal acquisition and use of foreign funds, offences that could land him behind bars for more than a decade. Bashir, who was deposed in April following months of mass protests against his rule, appeared in court in a black metal cage wearing the country’s traditional white attire and turban. Judge Al Sadiq Abdelrahman outlined the charges at what was the third session of the trial, saying cash in multiple currencies was uncovered at his home.
Authorities had “seized 6.9 million euros, $351,770 and 5.7 million Sudanese pounds at (Bashir’s) home which he acquired and used illegally”, said Abdelrahman.
Speaking for the first time in court, 75-year-old Bashir said the seized funds were the remainder of the equivalent of $25 million that he had received from the Saudi crown prince.
“My office manager... received a call from the office of Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman saying he has a ‘message’ that will be sent on a private jet,” Bashir told the court.
“We were told that the crown prince did not want his name to appear (linked to the transaction)... and if the funds were deposited with Sudan’s bank or the finance ministry, the source would have to be identified,” he said.
Sudan’s former president Bashir is seen inside a cage at the courthouse where he is facing corruption charges in Khartoum. — Reuters[/caption]
Dozens of Bashir’s relatives attended Saturday’s session, chanting as he entered the courtroom pointing his index finger to the sky.
Bashir failed to specify when he received the funds, but said he accepted them as part of strategic relations.
He said the funds “were not used for private interests but as donations” to support individuals and entities including wheat import companies, a university and a hospital.
Sudan has in recent years played a key role in supporting the regional interests of Saudi Arabia and its allies, with Bashir overseeing a major foreign policy shift that saw Khartoum break its decades-old ties with Iran.
His administration sided with Riyadh in part by providing troops for the coalition fighting against Ansar Allah fighters in Yemen’s ongoing war.
“Relations with Saudi witnessed episodes of tensions (over the years)... but they developed greatly, especially as bin Salman rose to power,” Bashir said.
According to Judge Abdelrahman, Sudanese law punishes illegal acquisition of wealth by up to 10 years in jail while illicit use of foreign funds carries up to three years.
Bashir’s defence lawyers insisted their client was “not guilty” and said witnesses would be brought before the court.
“We have witnesses, proof and documents that we will present to court to refute these charges,” said lawyer Ahmed Ibrahim al Taher.
An investigator had previously told the court that Bashir received $90 million in cash from Saudi royals including payments of $35 million and $30 million from Saudi King Abdullah, who died in 2015.— AFP
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