Mauritania reclassifies bloggers' case as terrorism
What began as accusations of financial blackmail has shifted three times in seven weeks, now landing with anti-terrorism investigators.
Mauritanian authorities have reclassified the case of several bloggers, known as the "bloggers from abroad," as a terrorism investigation. This marks the third qualification change for the affair in less than seven weeks. The case began on September 30 with a government announcement of a "financial blackmail network," then shifted on October 7 to "financial corruption and moral depravity." On November 13, the investigation was assigned to the unit handling terrorism crimes.
The investigation now involves seven individuals detained, nine under judicial supervision, and arrest warrants for seven others, many of whom are abroad. The case originated from Facebook pages managed by Mauritanian bloggers, primarily residing in the United States, who have been publishing critical content since 2018. Prominent figures like Sidi Ould Kmache, Al-Hafiz Ould Loubad, and Diaa Al-Haq Ould Abih are among those sought by the authorities.
The prosecution has framed the legal basis for the case around three axes: criticism of political figures, intrusion into the private lives of officials including the president and his family, and the publication of sensitive military information. These allegations, which evolved from online posts and payment app transfers, have led to the case being transferred from the State Security Directorate to the anti-terrorism investigation unit.
Why it mattersSeven people are detained and seven more are sought by authorities in an investigation that has shifted from blackmail to terrorism charges.