Mauritania releases civilians in coupe attempt investigation
Mauritania, Politics, 7/12/2003

Mauritania's authorities released all civilians who were detained in the context of the investigation in the implications of the failed military coupe which took place in June.

Among the released was the former minister of women affairs Mantana Bint Hadid and the former chairman of the supreme court Mahfouz Weld al-Murabet, the assistant for the Mauritania news agency Muhammad al-Sheikh Weld Seidi Muhammad and other civilian figures.

Well informed sources said that the released persons "were not found guilty or involved in the coupe attempt," despite the fact that they are relatives to the leader of the coupe former col. Saleh Weld Hanana. The released persons expressed great satisfaction and readiness to serve their country, according to one of them who added they had received good treatment during detention.

On the other hand, scores of Islamists who are in a jail in Nouakchott on Thursday called on the judicial authorities in their country "for a complete judicial investigation with them in preparation for bringing them to the court."

The 32 detained Islamists who are scholars and clergies expressed their protests over halting "investigations with them for unjustified and unknown reasons." This was expressed in a message addressed to the judicial sides in Mauritania. The Islamists are facing accusations of conspiring against the country's constitutional and "conspiring for violating internal and external security for the country as well as forming unlicensed societies."

In their message, the Islamists warned that their being held in custody period has expired. They called for "justice and lifting repressive measures according to enforced laws."

The Islamist who were arrested by the beginning of May are facing an imprisonment period ranging between 10 to 20 years with labor. Among the detainees is former Mauritania's ambassador to Syria.

Previous Stories:
  New government in Mauritania   (7/9/2003)
  Moroccan king's visit to Mauritania set to boost already excellent relations   (6/24/2003)
  Secretary of ruling party in Mauritania arrested   (6/23/2003)
  Mauritania: Detention and quitting a governor   (6/19/2003)
  Mauritania removes naval forces commander   (6/17/2003)

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