Khartoum (ANTARA News/Reuters) - Sudanese authorities on Monday released opposition Islamist Hassan al-Turabi, three months after arresting him following his call for protests against price rises, one of his aides said.

Security forces arrested Turabi and eight other party officials on Jan. 18 after the politicians called for a "popular revolution" if Khartoum did not tackle inflation.

Islamist leader Turabi has been in and out of jail since his split from Bashir`s ruling party in 1999/2000.

Sudan`s price increases have sparked student protests in the country`s northern agricultural heartland and Khartoum.

The country is grappling with a current account deficit and a currency devaluation that is driving up inflation.

The release comes at a politically sensitive time for the government of President Omar Hassan al Bashir as the oil-producing south is poised to split after an independence referendum in January.

Khartoum has long feared Turabi`s influence, believing many of his supporters still remain in key positions in the army and security services.

Turabi is usually arrested during times of difficulty for the government, most notably after Darfur rebels launched an unprecedented attack on the capital in 2008. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011