Bashir’s Uncle Arrested over 'Threat of Violence' to Topple Transitional Govt

File photo: Ousted Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir (Ashraf Shazly, AFP)
File photo: Ousted Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir (Ashraf Shazly, AFP)
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Bashir’s Uncle Arrested over 'Threat of Violence' to Topple Transitional Govt

File photo: Ousted Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir (Ashraf Shazly, AFP)
File photo: Ousted Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir (Ashraf Shazly, AFP)

The Sudanese authorities arrested leader in the former regime Al-Tayeb Mustafa on several charges including threatening to use violence to overthrow the transitional government.

The committee formed to dismantle the regime of 30th June 1989 and eliminate corruption filed a lawsuit against Mustafa. The indictment included threats to release the so-called jihadists to topple the transitional government, “incite hatred against the state, undermine the constitutional order and question members of the dismantling committee.”

These charges could lead to sentences that amount to up to 10 years in prison.

Ousted President Omar al-Bashir’s uncle has consistently belittled the revolution, questioned its prominent figures by taking advantage of the column he writes in a daily newspaper.

Although Mustafa announced his resignation from the dissolved National Congress Party and the establishment of the Just Peace Forum (JPF) party, however, he won a seat in the parliament appointed by Bashir.

Mustafa chaired Bashir’s information committee with the rank of minister until the regime was toppled on April 11, 2019.

Spokesman of the Committee for Dismantling Ingaz (Salvation) Regime and Removing Empowerment Salah Manna told Asharq Al-Awsat that Mustafa was handed over to the Public Prosecution for investigation.

Manna explained that the arrested leader had published an article in Al-Intibaha newspaper in which he insulted the state.

According to Manna, Mustafa accused the committee members of receiving bribes, and he called for undermining the constitutional system.

“He is talking about the law, and we filed lawsuits against him under the law,” the spokesman stressed, adding that he will face all the laws he had breached.

Mustafa is expected to face charges that do not exceed 10 years in prison, according to the “Dismantling of the regime of 30th June 1989” law.

Mustafa appeared in the Sudanese political life suddenly after his nephew assumed the presidency with the Islamists' coup in June 1989. This allowed him to hold many posts without enjoying competence.

He was also known for his hostility and racist stances against citizens of South Sudan and is said to be one of the godfathers of South Sudan’s secession.



Syria Announces 200 Percent Public Sector Wage, Pension Increase

FILE PHOTO: Bundles of Syrian currency notes are stacked up as an employee counts money at Syrian central bank, in Damascus,Syria, January 12, 2025. REUTERS/Firas Makdesi/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Bundles of Syrian currency notes are stacked up as an employee counts money at Syrian central bank, in Damascus,Syria, January 12, 2025. REUTERS/Firas Makdesi/File Photo
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Syria Announces 200 Percent Public Sector Wage, Pension Increase

FILE PHOTO: Bundles of Syrian currency notes are stacked up as an employee counts money at Syrian central bank, in Damascus,Syria, January 12, 2025. REUTERS/Firas Makdesi/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Bundles of Syrian currency notes are stacked up as an employee counts money at Syrian central bank, in Damascus,Syria, January 12, 2025. REUTERS/Firas Makdesi/File Photo

Syria announced on Sunday a 200 percent hike in public sector wages and pensions, as it seeks to address a grinding economic crisis after the recent easing of international sanctions.

Over a decade of civil war has taken a heavy toll on Syria's economy, with the United Nations reporting more than 90 percent of its people live in poverty.

In a decree published by state media, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a "200 percent increase to salaries and wages... for all civilian and military workers in public ministries, departments and institutions.”

Under the decree, the minimum wage for government employees was raised to 750,000 Syrian pounds per month, or around $75, up from around $25, AFP reported.

A separate decree granted the same 200 percent increase to retirement pensions included under current social insurance legislation.

Last month, the United States and European Union announced they would lift economic sanctions in a bid to help the country's recovery.

Also in May, Syria's Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh said Qatar would help it pay some public sector salaries.

The extendable arrangement was for $29 million a month for three months, and would cover "wages in the health, education and social affairs sectors and non-military" pensions, he had said.

Barnieh had said the grant would be managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and covered around a fifth of current wages and salaries.

Syria has some 1.25 million public sector workers, according to official figures.