Convicted of corruption, former Sudanese President Omar-al-Bashir sentenced to two years in jail
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Khartoum, December 16: Khartoum court yesterday convicted former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir of money laundering and corruption charges sentencing him to two years in a minimum-security lock-up. This is the first verdict in a series of legal proceedings against al-Bashir, who is also wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and genocide linked to the Darfur conflict.
The verdict comes a year after Sudanese protesters erupted in revolt against al-Bashir's authoritarian rule. During his three decades in power, Sudan landed on the US list for sponsoring terrorism and the country's economy was battered by years of mismanagement and American sanctions.
Al-Bashir has been in custody since last April when Sudan's military ousted him after months of nationwide protests.
Bashir’s prosecution — as well as other judicial cases against him — is seen as a test of whether Sudan can bring closure for the abuses endured by many citizens under his rule. It is also a test of whether the nation’s political transition can move forward, despite the presence of Bashir’s loyalists in the government bureaucracy and society.
On Saturday, hundreds of his supporters gathered in the streets near the presidential palace in the capital, Khartoum, ahead of the verdict. Troops and armored vehicles blocked roads and a heavy security presence was visible at the courthouse.
Bashir sat inside a metal cage for defendants, dressed in a traditional white turban and robe, as the judge read out the verdict.