PUBLICAI Index: AFR 38/02/99

20 January 1999

Further information on UA 315/98 (AFR 38/08/98, 22 December 1998 and update (AFR 38/01/99, 14 January 1999) - Held incommunicado/fear of ill-

treatment/prisoners of conscience

MAURITANIAAhmed Ould Daddah, opposition party leader,

Mohameden Ould Babah, opposition party leader,

Maître Mohameden Ould Ichiddou, human rights lawyer

The three men named above were released from house arrest on Sunday 17 January 1999. The government made no statement about their release, but it coincided with the end of Ramadan. Many thanks to all who sent appeals - it seems likely that the international campaign for their release had a srong impact.

No further action is required by the Urgent Action network.