Sudan’s ex-president, Omar al-Bashir on trial for 1989 coup

Sudan’s ousted long-serving leader Omar al-Bashir has gone on trial in the capital, Khartoum, connection with the military coup that brought him to power more than three decades ago.

The 76-year-old, who has already been convicted for corruption, could face the death penalty if found guilty over his role in the 1989 coup.

More than a dozen former officials are expected to be charged alongside him.

Bashir was forced out of power in 2019 following popular protests.

The civilian uprising started in late 2018 as anti-austerity demonstrations but quickly morphed into a call to end President Bashir’s rule.

On 11 April 2019, the military announced that he had been ousted and arrested.

A joint transitional government made up of the top army officials and civilians was later formed in August 2019.

Bashir is also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes and genocide in the western Darfur region.

The authorities in Sudan said in February they were are ready to hand the former leader over to the ICC.