Sources in Mauritania have expressed their concern at the announcement of the recent promotion of Mohamed Ould Nejib, Officer in Charge of Riadh-1 police station. Mohamed Ould Nejib is accused of having ordered the attack on human rights defender and President of SOS Esclaves, Boubacar Messaoud during a peaceful demonstration.

Further Information

Boubacar Messaoud was reportedly deliberately targeted during a peaceful demonstration on 2 April where he was acting as observer. He was attacked by police officers who knew him well even though he was in a side street and not in the main body of the demonstration. The announcement of the promotion is seen as a message to the police and armed forces that they can take action against human rights defenders and that their loyalty to the regime will be rewarded.

To see the details of the Front Line Urgent Appeal on this case link to Front Line Appeal Mauritania

For further information on this case you can link to News Service on Mauritania in French only