PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 38/002/2004

11 February 2004

Further Information on UA 333/03 (AFR 38/010/2003, 14 November 2003) and follow-ups (AFR 38/011/2003, 19 November 2003, AFR 38/013/2003, 28 November 2003 and AFR 38/001/2004, 7 January 2004) Torture or ill-treatment/ Incommunicado detention/Absence of medical treatment/Unfair trial

MAURITANIA Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidalla (m)

Sidi Mohamed Ould Haidalla (m) - his first son

Sid’Ahmed Ould Haidalla (m) – his second son

Habba Ould Mohamed Vall (m)

Mohamed Yehdhi Ould Breideleil (m)

Ismaël Ould Amar (m)

Cheikh El Moctar Ould Horma Babana (m)

Mohamed Said Ould Zergane (m)

At least eight others

Sid’Ahmed Ould Haidalla was released on bail on 18 January 2004, by decision of the President of the criminal chamber of the Court of appeal of Nouakchott.

The son of former presidential candidate Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidalla, he was detained at a prison in the town of Aleg, which is about 350km southeast of the capital Nouakchott,

He had been subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment amounting to torture, as his feet were said to be constantly tied, restricting his movement and causing him pain. He has been charged with "conspiracy and rebellion against public order" (association de malfaiteurs et rebellion à l’ordre public).

No further action is required from the UA network. Many thanks to all those who sent appeals.