Mauritanian authorities release prominent journalist

18/03/2009

The ruling Mauritanian council freed a previously arrested journalist on Wednesday, following widespread protests over the authorities' stifling of press freedoms.

By Mohamed Yahya Ould Abdel Wedoud for Magharebia in Nouakchott – 18/03/09

[File] A ban on the Taqadoumy website of Abbass Ould Braham was lifted upon his release from prison.

Mauritanian authorities released freelance journalist and University of Nouakchott professor Abbass Ould Braham today (March 18th) and lifted a ban imposed on his Taqadoumy website.

Ould Braham, known for his opposition to the coup and resulting regime, was arrested Monday. Authorities also blocked his website, which reportedly received thousands of visitors daily according to website administrators.

Several Mauritanian journalists tried to stage a sit-in in front of the UN office in Nouakchott late Monday denouncing the arrest.

Mauritanian police fired tear gas at the protesters and allegedly beat them.

"We never anticipated such ruthlessness on the part of the authorities, since we are merely a bunch of writers, peaceful and unarmed," said journalist Sidi Ahmad. "The law warrants our right to protest. All of a sudden, they started battering us. This is an ominous start for banning freedom of press in this country."

Some Mauritanians link the recent visit by Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi to the limits now being imposed on the press.

"The ruling military council used to allow a margin of freedom for the press," explained Moulay El Hacen Ould Sidi. "However, with Kadhafi's recent visit, endorsing the council and attacking democracy, freedom is being choked off. What we have seen this week is the best proof to that."

The director of Points Chauds newspaper, Aze Ment Moulay El Hacen, concurred. She just spent International Women's Day in court over an article about the disappearance of significant amounts of money in one of the state-owned institutions. The case is still pending.

The past year "has seen an unprecedented suppression of press freedom, as intimidation and punishment came to supersede all other principles," she stated. "Thus, websites were blocked and newspapers received threats. The worst part is that the president, General Mohamed Ould Adel Aziz disparaged the press in his address from the city of Akjoujt two days ago."

The General Confederation of Mauritanian Workers denounced the detention of journalist Ould Braham, issuing a warning against the deterioration of public freedoms, specifically freedom of the media.

The Confederation issued a statement saying, "The ruling military Council reacted with force to dissolve a peaceful demonstration organised by journalists from the national and international media protesting the actions taken in our country… This military escalation reflects the desire to bury all voices that do not agree with the discourse supporting the coup".

Minister Mohamed Ould Abderrehman Ould Meine of the High Council of State held a press conference to apologise for what he called "inappropriate treatment" by security forces of the journalists protesting Ould Braham's arrest.

The councillor added, however, that journalists should ensure their own safety by avoiding "dishonourable provocation" that does not promote the country's security or stability.

"Freedom of the press in Mauritania is a non-negotiable fact," one Ministry of Communication official told Magharebia. "We have issued instructions to all administrative departments to respect journalists and make their job easier. Not a single newspaper closure has been reported so far."

"We truly believe that freedom of the press is sacred," he continued. "To prove it, the President, General Mohamed Ould Adel Aziz, always has an escorting team of reporters on his domestic or overseas visits."

Ousted President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdellahi sternly criticised the actions taken by security forces against members of the media protesting Ould Braham's arrest, and the censorship of the website.

Many Nouakchott residents expressed to Magharebia their solidarity with the journalists, affirming their commitment to freedom of the press as guaranteed by the constitution.

"We request that all civil and military authorities respect press freedom," said student Mohammed Al Fath. "It is a great achievement in democratic countries, as it is a human right and a mirror of public opinion. Taking [it] away means taking away public opinion."