Sat 07 September 2019:
Al-Bashir, who ruled Sudan for nearly 30 years, is charged with illicit financial gains, bribery and accepting gifts in an unofficial manner, including $90m in cash from Saudi royals.
Last week, speaking publicly for the first time since his removal, al-Bashir said he received $25m from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but claimed he did not use the money for his own benefit.
The charges against the 75-year-old former president carry maximum prison sentences of about 10 years. The next hearing is set for September 14.
In his fourth court hearing on Saturday, al-Bashir’s last office manager testified that the former Sudanese leader was the only person with a key to a room at the presidential palace holding millions of euros.
Yasser Basheer, speaking as a defence witness, said the former president gave him more than 10 million euros ($11m) cash in his final months of rule for delivery to different parties.
While al-Bashir’s trial has captured worldwide attention, Morgan said many Sudanese called it a “sham trial” since it did not include the atrocities during the 30 years of his rule.
Morgan said protesters on the streets said the trial was being used to “divert attention from the real crimes committed” by al-Bashir’s government.
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