PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 38/008/2004

22 November 2004

Further Information on UA 284/04 (AFR 38/003/2004, 8 October 2004) and follow-ups (AFR 38/004/2004, 14 October 2004; AFR 38/005/2004, 19 October 2004; AFR 38/006/2004, 27 October 2004) - Fear of torture or ill-treatment/incommunicado detention

MAURITANIA Abderrahmane Ould Mini (m)

Moustafa Ould Cheibany (m)

Cheikh Ould Abdallahi (m)

Amar Ould Amar Jowda (m)

Saleh Ould Hannena (m)

Ahmedou Ould Mbareck (m)

At least four others, names not known

Rearrested: Jemil Ould Mansour (m)

Cheikh Mohamed El Hacen Ould Dedew (m), imam (religious leader)

El Moctar Ould Mohamed Moussa (m), former ambassador

Jemil Ould Mansour, Cheikh Mohamed El Hacen Ould Dedew and El Moctar Ould Mohamed Moussa, who were released on 16 October, were rearrested on 2 November in the capital, Nouakchott. Amnesty International considers them to be prisoners of conscience, detained solely for their religious and political beliefs.

They were detained incommunicado for 14 days in an unknown place, and charged on 16 November with “complicity in fabrication and forgery of documents (photographs), that might cause a disturbance of public order and prejudice internal and external security” (“connivence dans la fabrication et la falsification de documents (photos) de nature à provoquer des troubles à l’ordre, porter préjudice à la sécurité intérieure et extérieure”). They were subsequently transferred to Nouakchott Central Prison, where they can receive visits from their parents and lawyers.

In a communiqué sent to the press on 3 November, the police accused the men of “subversion” after several Mauritanian media outlets, including the Arabic-language website www.alakhbar.info, showed photographs of men hooded, undressed and handcuffed, purportedly detainees held in Ouad Naga detention centre in connection with the June 2003 failed coup attempt and the alleged further coup attempts of August and September 2004.

On 16 and 18 November, the security forces violently dispersed family members and supporters who had gathered in Nouakchott to protest against the detention of the three men and to ask for them to be released.

In October 2004, the three men had been held incommunicado for six days at the Police training school (Ecole de police) in Nouakchott. They were released without charge.

Cheikh Ould Abdallahi is apparently still detained incommunicado at the police training school.

Saleh Ould Hannena and Abderrahmane Ould Mini are still reportedly in solitary confinement, and kept in handcuffs and leg-irons 24 hours a day.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in French, Arabic or your own language:

- expressing concern that Jemil Ould Mansour, Cheikh Mohamed El Hacen Ould Dedew and El Moctar Ould Mohamed Moussa were rearrested on 16 November, stating that Amnesty International considers them to be prisoners of conscience and calling for them to be released immediately and unconditionally;

- expressing concerns for the safety of Cheikh Ould Abdallahi, who has been detained incommunicado since the alleged coup attempt in September 2004;

- expressing concern that several of the detainees have allegedly been tortured by police, and asking the authorities to order a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice;

- expressing concern for the health of the detainees now held in Ouad Naga prison, and calling for them to be given regular access to their families, lawyers and any medical attention they may need;

APPEALS TO: (It may be very difficult to send faxes to Mauritania.)

Attorney General

Procureur Général près de la Cour suprême

M. Abdelrahman Ould Abdi

Palais de Justice

Nouakchott, Mauritania

Fax: + 222 525 5194

Salutation: Monsieur le Procureur Général / Dear Attorney General

President of the Republic

Président de la République

Maaouya Ould Sid’Ahmed Taya

Présidence de la République

B.P. 184

Nouakchott, Mauritania

Salutation: Monsieur le Président / Dear Mr President

Minister for the Interior, Post and Telecommunications

Ministre de l’Intérieur, des Postes et Télécommunications

M. Mohamed Ghaly Ould Chérif Ahmed

B.P. 195

Nouakchott, Mauritania

Salutation: Monsieur le Ministre / Dear Minister

COPIES TO:

Minister of Justice

Ministre de la Justice

M. Diabira Bakary

B.P. 350

Nouakchott, Mauritania

Fax: + 222 525 7002 (if someone answers, say “je voudrais envoyer un fax, s’il vous plaît - I’d like to send a fax, please")

Salutation: Monsieur le Ministre / Dear Minister

and to diplomatic representatives of Mauritania accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 3 January 2005.