Bashir case 'may spark attacks'

Foreigners in Sudan could be targeted by "outlaws" if the International Criminal Court pursues a case against Sudan's president, a top official says.

The ICC is widely expected to issue an arrest warrant for President Omar al-Bashir on charges that he masterminded a genocide in Darfur.

It is the most specific warning yet that foreigners could bear the brunt of public anger if a warrant is issued.

Diplomatic efforts by Khartoum to get the case deferred have so far failed.

Speaking to local journalists in Khartoum, the head of Sudan's National Security and Intelligence Service, Salah Gosh, said they could not predict the reactions of "outlaws" who could target foreigners in the wake of a decision by the ICC.

'Conspiracy'

According to state media, Mr Gosh accused the ICC chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo of being a political activist and said the court's decision would be political not legal.

Mr Ocampo called for an arrest warrant to be issued against President Bashir in July, accusing him of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for alleged atrocities committed in the Darfur region.

The ICC judges are expected to make a decision about the arrest warrant by the end of the month.

Over the last few days, senior government officials have stepped up their criticisms of Britain, America and France, who they accuse of conspiring against Sudan and manipulating the ICC.