Mauritania's public prosecutor has requested charges against 28 people implicated in the "foreign bloggers" case, with seven facing arrest warrants and 15 others to be held in provisional detention. The charges include forming a criminal organization, inciting hatred and discrimination, and spreading false information. The investigation also uncovered suspicions of terrorism financing, money laundering, and threats to national security.
According to the prosecutor's office, the investigation revealed a complex web of crimes, including terrorism, complicity, and money laundering. The suspects were brought before the prosecutor's services after being questioned by security services, who conducted the investigation in secrecy. The police department for economic crimes participated in interrogating some of the suspects, including real estate agents and money transfer operators.
The arrests, which began in late September, targeted several individuals close to bloggers living abroad, including journalists, money exchange office employees, and real estate agents. The government initially described the case as a "financial blackmail network" that manufactured and spread false information, and financed threats, blackmail, and "silence-buying" operations.
More than 15 people held in custody appeared before the prosecutor's office, nearly a month and a half after their arrest by state security services. The investigation involved the police department for economic crimes, which questioned suspects including real estate agents and money transfer operators. The suspects were accused of involvement in a network that allegedly spread false information and engaged in financial blackmail.
The case has raised concerns about freedom of expression and the government's approach to online criticism. The Mauritanian government has been criticized in the past for its handling of online dissent, with some accusing authorities of using repressive measures to silence critics. The investigation into the "foreign bloggers" case was conducted in secrecy, fueling speculation about the scope of the alleged crimes.
Two people accused of money laundering are to be placed under strengthened judicial supervision, according to the prosecutor's office. The suspects were brought before the prosecutor's services after being questioned by security services. The investigation is ongoing, with further details expected to emerge in the coming days.
The "foreign bloggers" case has sparked debate about the limits of free speech and the role of online critics in Mauritania. While the government has described the alleged crimes as serious threats to national security, some have raised concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the erosion of civil liberties.
Key points
- 28 people charged with crimes including terrorism and money laundering
- 7 suspects face arrest warrants, 15 others to be held in detention
- Investigation uncovers suspicions of terrorism financing and threats to national security
