On Thursday, November 5, 2026, a journalist from the independent news agency "Al-Akhbar" was allegedly assaulted by Mauritanian police while covering a protest in front of the Ministry of Justice in Nouakchott. The journalist, identified as Mohamed Amine Abdouti, was reportedly beaten during the incident. The protest was organized by supporters of the "Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement" (IRA), a movement that seeks to combat slavery in Mauritania.
According to reports, the police also stopped the live broadcast of the protest, which was being transmitted by "Al-Akhbar". The agency stated that the police prevented them from continuing to broadcast live from the scene. The incident occurred after the IRA called for a protest to demand the immediate release of what they termed "prisoners of conscience". The protesters were also denouncing the continued detention of these individuals.
The incident has sparked concerns about press freedom and human rights in Mauritania. The Mauritanian police have not released a statement regarding the incident, nor has the Ministry of Justice. The IRA movement has been vocal about its demands for the release of its members, who it claims are being held unfairly.
This incident comes after a statement released by the Mauritanian Journalists' Union on November 2, 2026, which highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in the country. The union reported that journalists' equipment had been confiscated during field coverage, and some journalists had been summoned to police stations due to their reporting.
The Mauritanian police have previously been accused of using excessive force against protesters. In July 2026, police dispersed a protest by IRA supporters in front of the Court of Justice in Nouakchott, using tear gas. The police denied allegations of using excessive force, claiming that the protest was not authorized and no injuries were reported.
The IRA movement has been a vocal advocate for human rights and an end to slavery in Mauritania. The movement's leader, Biram Dah Abeid, has been a prominent figure in the country's human rights scene. It is unclear whether "Al-Akhbar" or the journalist will file a formal complaint regarding the incident.
The incident has raised concerns about the relationship between the government and the media in Mauritania. The country's press freedom record has been a subject of concern, with reports of journalists facing harassment and intimidation. The government has not commented on the incident, but human rights groups are calling for an investigation into the allegations of police brutality.
Key points
- Police assault on journalist during protest coverage
- Incident sparks concerns about press freedom in Mauritania
- Protesters demand release of "prisoners of conscience"
