Mauritania's specialized police in economic crimes have initiated an investigation into several individuals detained in the case known as "expatriate bloggers." According to sources close to the matter, the police are focusing their investigation on the real estate sector and related suspicions. This development comes after over a month of detention under strict conditions by the State Security Department.
The detainees, including relatives of expatriate bloggers, media professionals, real estate agents, and owners or employees of money exchange services, have been held without allowing their families or lawyers to meet them. The police entry into the investigation follows a period of intense scrutiny and raises questions about the legal procedures applied in the case.
In mid-October, the Public Prosecutor's Office released a statement justifying the denial of access to lawyers for the detainees, citing the last paragraph of Article 58 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This article exempts suspects in state security and terrorism cases from the right to contact their lawyers during the theoretical guard period, without prejudice to other legal guarantees afforded to them.
The Public Prosecutor's Office emphasized that the law allows for the postponement of access to a lawyer if the investigation necessitates it, based on a justified request from the judicial police officer in charge of the preliminary investigation. The office stated these measures were part of the initial investigation into a case referred to the State Security Directorate.
The investigation by the economic crimes police is expected to shed more light on the financial aspects of the case, particularly focusing on real estate transactions and potential irregularities. This could potentially expand the scope of the case, which has already garnered significant attention due to the profiles of those involved.
Human rights organizations and legal experts have been closely monitoring the case, expressing concerns over the detention conditions and the legal procedures applied. The case has sparked a debate on the balance between national security and individual rights in Mauritania, particularly in cases involving suspects accused of crimes related to state security.
As the investigation progresses, it is likely to reveal more details about the alleged crimes and the individuals involved. The Mauritanian authorities have yet to provide a detailed timeline for the completion of the investigation or any potential charges that may be brought against the detainees.
Key points
- The Mauritanian police are investigating economic crimes in the "expatriate bloggers" case, focusing on real estate.
- Detainees have been held for over a month without access to lawyers or family visits.
- The investigation may expand the scope of the case, potentially leading to additional charges.
