Mauritanian prosecutors seek charges against 28 in 'bloggers from abroad' case
Charges are sought against 28 people, with arrest warrants requested for seven, over alleged criminal organisation, false information and terrorism financing.
The public prosecutor in Nouakchott has asked for charges to be brought against 28 people in the case of the "bloggers from abroad". It also requested arrest warrants for seven of them, provisional detention for 15 others, and reinforced judicial supervision for two people accused of money laundering.
In a statement issued after a press conference, the prosecutor said the investigation had uncovered offences linked to forming a criminal organisation, incitement to hatred and discrimination, and spreading false information. Suspicions also cover terrorism financing, money laundering and threats to national security. The prosecutor said it had completed preliminary investigation procedures and referred the suspects to its services.
More than 15 people held in custody appeared before the prosecutor-general after about six weeks in detention, following arrests by state security services. The arrests began in late September and included journalists, money exchange employees and real estate agents, among them relatives of bloggers living abroad. The government had earlier described the case as a "financial blackmail network" that fabricated and spread false information.
Why it matters28 people face possible charges, and seven of them now face arrest warrants, with 15 more facing provisional detention.