PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 38/003/2005

22 February 2005

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; AFR 38/008/2004, 22 November 2004) - Fear of torture or ill-treatment/incommunicado detention

MAURITANIA Abderrahmane Ould Mini (m)

Saleh Ould Hannena (m)

Moustafa Ould Cheibany (m)

Ahmedou Ould Mbareck (m)

Released Jemil Ould Mansour (m)

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

El Moctar Ould Mohamed Moussa (m), former ambassador

Cheikh Ould Abdallahi (m)

Amar Ould Amar Jowda (m)

Prisoners of conscience Jemil Ould Mansour, Cheikh Mohamed El Hacen Ould Dedew and El Moctar Ould Mohamed Moussa were provisionally released on 13 February 2005. The three had been held since 16 November 2004 at the Nouakchott Central Prison on charges of “complicity in fabrication and forgery of documents (photographs) that might cause a disturbance of public order and prejudice internal and external security”. Cheikh Ould Abdallahi was reportedly released in November 2004.

Abderrahmane Ould Mini, Saleh Ould Hannena, Moustafa Ould Cheibany, Ahmedou Ould Mbareck and Amar ould Amar Jowda were amongst nearly 190 people tried by the criminal Court in Ouad Naga, 50 km east of the capital Nouakchott. They were charged with state security offences in connection with the June 2003 failed coup attempt and the alleged further coup attempts of August and September 2004.

Amar ould Amar Jowda was acquitted, whilst the four other detained men named above and approximately 100 others were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment following an unfair trial on 3 February 2005. Their lawyers are to lodge an appeal against their conviction. Many of the accused told the court that they had been subjected to torture and ill-treatment, though no action has been taken to bring those responsible to justice. Some of the prisoners have medical problems and are being held under harsh conditions.

Many thanks to all those who sent appeals. No further action is required from the UA network as we will be campaigning using other longer term techniques.