Mauritania's Salafia Jihadia adepts termed as murderers by Mauritanian government

The Mauritanian government termed the adepts of the country's underground extremist group "Salafia Jihadia."

Mauritania's official news agency accused the group of "attempt to the integrity, lives and goods of Muslims," deeming their acts as "alien to Islam" and that they can in no way be called "Jihad."

The Salafia Jihadia is refractory to knowledge and Ulema (Muslim scholars), the agency says, adding that the extremist group preached disobedience to the legitimate leaders in power.

Mauritania is suing 40 activists and leaders of extremist Islamist groups accused by the authorities of belonging to the "Salafist Wahhabist Movement." They are under arrest since last May after the failed coup attempt that targeted the African country.

The prosecuted individuals are facing 10 to 20 years in jail.