Sudanese man on trial in Germany charged with spying on opposition supporters

News Article by AP posted on May 01, 2008 at 19:54:18: EST (-5 GMT)

Sudanese man on trial in Germany charged with spying on opposition supporters BERLIN (AP) -- The trial of a Sudanese man accused of spying on opposition supporters for his country's intelligence service has opened in a Berlin state court. Forty-year-old Acuil A. has not commented on the charges in opening remarks Wednesday. Prosecutors charge that from 2005 to 2007 he posed as a reporter, shooting video of human rights and opposition groups in Germany that he later sold to the Sudanese government. He has told the court Wednesday that he moved to Germany in 1993 to study marketing in the eastern city of Halle and he periodically wires money to Sudan to support his seven siblings and ailing father. If convicted, Acuil A. could face a fine or up to five years in prison. The trial has been adjourned and is scheduled to resume Wednesday next week.