EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: AFR 38/03/92

Distr: UA/SC

6 February 1992

Further information on 35/92 (AFR 38/02/92, 31 January 1992) - Legal Concern

MAURITANIA:Alpha WANE, a laywer in Nouakchott

Boubacar MESSAOUD, local coordinator of the Union des forces démocratiques (UFD), Union of Democratic Forces

Coumba SY (female)

Yedalli Ould CHEIKH, former Minister of Justice from 1979 to 1980

Hamdi Ould MAHJOUB, former head of Bar Association and former mayor of Nouadhibou

Ladji TANDIA, pharmacist

and many others

All the above prisoners arrested since 26 January 1992 have now been released. Some were released around 2 February, but 44 remained in detention, reportedly facing charges; some are reported to have been ill-treated. The remaining prisoners were released on 5 February 1992.

No further appeals are required. Many thanks to all those who wrote on their behalf.