Mauritanian Man Condemned to Death for Murder Speaks Out

In a video statement released from his prison cell on November 6, 2026, Brahim Ould Ledhem, the primary accused in the murder case of Mohamedou Ould Berrou, has claimed his innocence. After eight years of imprisonment, Ledhem, who was sentenced to death, has spoken out, alleging that he was wrongly accused and tortured into confessing the crime. He has declared a hunger strike, demanding that his innocence be established or that he dies in detention.

According to Ledhem, he was arrested twenty days after the murder and was subjected to severe torture, including physical abuse and humiliation, at the El Mina 1 police station. He claims that the police, under pressure from the public and the victim's family, were seeking a quick conviction and wrongly accused him and his companions. Ledhem's statement has sparked widespread attention on social media, with many calling for a reopening of the investigation.

Ledhem's video statement, which lasted nearly an hour, detailed his alleged torture and the circumstances surrounding his arrest. He claimed that the police were unable to find crucial evidence, including the keys to the victim's store, surveillance cameras, and the victim's laptop. Ledhem suggested that these items were in the possession of the real perpetrators, who he implied were known to the police but not apprehended.

The murder case of Mohamedou Ould Berrou occurred on March 12, 2019, when his charred body was found near Dar Naïm prison. An investigation was launched, and a commission was formed to investigate the crime. The police arrested Ledhem and his companions, who were allegedly involved in previous crimes, including robberies and burglaries. Ledhem had previously been fired from the Groupement général de la sécurité routière (GGSR) for delinquency.

Ledhem's claims of innocence have raised concerns about the investigation and the judicial process. He stated that the judges and prosecutor ignored the visible signs of torture on his body and relied solely on police reports. Additionally, Ledhem disputed the police's claims that he was under the influence of psychotropic substances at the time of the crime, stating that he was allergic to certain medications.

DNA analysis conducted by a French institute in Bordeaux, at the request of the Mauritanian authorities, found no link between Ledhem and the crime scene evidence. The analysis revealed that the blood samples found on the crime scene did not match Ledhem or the victim's family members. Ledhem's case has sparked renewed attention to the investigation and the judicial process.

The case has highlighted concerns about the use of torture and coerced confessions in Mauritania's justice system. Ledhem's hunger strike has brought attention to his claims of innocence and the need for a thorough investigation. The Mauritanian authorities have not commented on Ledhem's allegations, and the case remains a subject of public debate.

Key points

• Brahim Ould Ledhem claims he was tortured into confessing the murder of Mohamedou Ould Berrou.
• DNA analysis found no link between Ledhem and the crime scene evidence.
• Ledhem has declared a hunger strike, demanding that his innocence be established or that he dies in detention.