Ousted Sudan President Bashir Sentenced for Two Years in Detention for Corruption

Ousted former Sudan president Omar al-Bashir was on Saturday sentenced to two years in a correctional facility for corruption.

Bashir, who was removed from power in April this year following months of mass protests against his 30-year rule, was handed the sentence in a case where he was charged with receiving millions of dollars from Saudi Arabia.

Bashir appeared in court in a metal cage and wearing a traditional white jalabiya and turban for his sentencing, according to AFP. He was convicted of “corruption” and “possession of foreign currency”, judge Al Sadiq Abdelrahman said.

The offense carries up to 10 years in prison but the court took into account his age and sentenced the 75-year-old to two years in a correctional center for the elderly.

“Under the law, those who reached the age of 70 shall not serve jail terms,” Abdelrahman said.

Bashir will serve his sentence after a verdict in another case where he is accused of ordering the killing of demonstrators during the protests that led to his ouster is made, the judge said. The court also ordered the confiscation of 6.9 million euros, $351,770 and 5.7 million Sudanese pounds ($128,000) found at Bashir’s home.

Sudan is currently being ruled by a joint civilian and military sovereign council, which is tasked with overseeing a transition to civilian rule.