Sudanese security services arrested five members of the opposition Congress Party this week in An-Nahud town, West Kordofan State, days ahead of their boss’s Thursday appearance before a criminal court.

Congress Party leader Ibrahim al-Sheikh was picked up at his home and taken into custody last Sunday.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, party spokesperson Bakri Yusuf said security services arrested the five party members on Tuesday and Wednesday as they were mobilizing citizens to attend al-Sheikh’s hearing in An-Nahud.

The five arrested include Hassan Isaac, a journalist with the Al Jarida newspaper.

Yusuf said security services and allied militia have circulated rumors in An-Nahud that al-Sheikh’s court session is adjourned in an attempt to avoid a large public gathering at the trial.

Defense lawyer Saate El Haj told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that al-Sheikh will appear before the court Thursday at 9:00 am.

El Haj said the accusations levelled against al-Sheikh are tantamount to a death penalty.  He said his client is innocent.