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Forty years a slave: Women start new lives in Mauritania
Female slaves in Mauritania have long suffered unimaginable pain and
torment. Some are now free and have found the courage to speak out about
their ordeals and their new lives.
newirin.irinnews.org
Slavery was officially abolished in Mauritania in 1981 and criminalized in 2007. The dark-skinned Haratine ethnic group, however, was historically enslaved by the lighter-skinned Moors and continues to face widespread discrimination, violence, and social injustice.
There are still an estimated 155,000 modern-day slaves in Mauritania, most of them Haratines. Some 85 percent of the minority group are illiterate due to lack of access to schools and 90 percent receive no wages for manual labour. Haratine women are particularly harshly treated. More than 80 percent of rape cases in 2014 involved violations of Haratine women. But thanks to support from local human rights groups and their own huge reserves of willpower, some Haratine women have overcome incredible hardship and are trying to forge new lives. Here are five such stories:
newirin.irinnews.org
Slavery was officially abolished in Mauritania in 1981 and criminalized in 2007. The dark-skinned Haratine ethnic group, however, was historically enslaved by the lighter-skinned Moors and continues to face widespread discrimination, violence, and social injustice.
There are still an estimated 155,000 modern-day slaves in Mauritania, most of them Haratines. Some 85 percent of the minority group are illiterate due to lack of access to schools and 90 percent receive no wages for manual labour. Haratine women are particularly harshly treated. More than 80 percent of rape cases in 2014 involved violations of Haratine women. But thanks to support from local human rights groups and their own huge reserves of willpower, some Haratine women have overcome incredible hardship and are trying to forge new lives. Here are five such stories:
Oumoul Khayri, age 52
Since childhood, Oumoul Khayri has survived all the darkest sides of slavery: rape, alienation, dehumanisation, stolen wages and near-death beatings. She has watched, helplessly, as her daughters were raped, and mourned the death of her infant granddaughter, who died after being chained up inside a crate.
While she was one of the lucky ones – eventually set free in 2010 after the brother of her master advised him to “get rid of her” – she remains traumatised.
“I have survived all this, but I still have nightmares,” she told IRIN.
In spite of her past, Oumoul Khayari considers her release a new chance at a “normal” life:
““Each day, I go to my job in Arafat, sweeping and doing dishes, and then I come back and relax with my children, without anyone insulting me or ordering me around... I make tea when I feel like it and my children now go to school. They are no longer beaten.” — Oumal Khayari
Zeynabou, age 42
“The father of my daughters left us, so I have been the one fighting to take care of them,” Zeynabou told IRIN, as she pulled weeds from outside a soft drink bottling factory in Mauritania’s capital Nouakchott.
The divorce rate among Haratine women is among the highest in Mauritania – an estimated 70 percent, according to local professor and sociologist Cheikh Saad Bouh Camara.
“Haratines, because of the poverty, because of the illiteracy, because of the urbanisation, and other causes bounded to their fragile social status, are the most likely to be divorced,” he said. “They almost always marry within their community, often against their will”
Zeynabou, who once was enslaved to an influential family belonging to an east Mauritanian tribe, has since taken up gardening to support her and her family.
She says she hopes her story will be an inspiration to other Haratine women:
““Whenever I meet a Haratine woman, I tell her about my experiences and sacrifices... If she needs help freeing herself, I offer [aid] willingly. I invite her to take control of her destiny, despite the heavy legacy [of slavery] and discrimination.”
Zeynabou said that often times some people are “embarrassed” to see a female head of household, particularly one who is doing well for herself, but that she has begun to receive encouragement. She now successfully grows and sells a variety of plants, including exotic flowers, herbs and banana trees.
“The lines move,” she said. "Freedom is to stand up, to take responsibility for one’s experience, counting only on ourselves."
Wehba, age 44
At the El Mina market in Nouakchott, Wehba is an example of how work can lead to empowerment, even long-marginalised Haratine women. Although they once had, literally, nothing, Wehba and her sister taught themselves to sew and dye cloth veils.
“Today, we have more and more customers,” she told IRIN proudly, explaining that sales have helped her save enough money to start building her own home and send her children to school.
“We [my sister, children and I] used to live in a wooden shed,” she told IRIN. “Now, thanks to a microfinance loan… we have developed a small business… and I can feed, clothe and shelter my family properly.”
Haby, age 41
“My first goal in life is to help those who are still slaves,” said Haby, who was born into slavery and finally gained her freedom in July 2008. “I know there are many who are not yet free. Even human rights activists are not totally free. Many are in prison…But even this reality is concealed.”
Haby said she, like many others, lived in “inhumane conditions.”
“I was beaten and abused. I spent more time with the animals than with humans.”
Haby ultimately found comfort in spirituality from religion and learnt to rely on nobody but herself.
“The state has never done anything for me or my family,” she said, explaining that authorities often distribute food and water in her neighbourhood, but never stop at her home.
“Chicken legs, fish, rice, even money. But personally I never benefited. Their water tanks pass without seeing us, the former slaves. We are many in this neighborhood, but they [don’t see us].”
Aichana, age 50
“One day, I had a problem with my master’s wife,” said Aichana, who was enslaved from birth until the early 1980s in northern Mauritania by a shopkeepers' family. “She refused a visit from my husband, saying he was dirty and wild and could not see me or my children. Then she staged an evil plan against me.”
Aichana said that while her master was away for a business trip, two policemen came to arrest her while she was working in the kitchen.
“At first I refused to go with them,” she said. “But the next day they came back with a custody officer… and on the advice of friends who told me not to defy public authority, I went with them… leaving my children with my master’s wife. I still regret my ignorance… but was illiterate and didn’t understand police procedures.”
She was separated from her children and eventually sent back to her native village, where life has been hard.
“Currently, I do not have a job. My health is too fragile following my experience… I have muscle problems in my back.”
Despite her adversity, Aichana says she will continue to strive for a better life.
“Fighting, I cannot stop fighting,” she said. “As long as I live, I will continue to fight. The fact that I have been set free is not the most important thing. This does nothing, knowing that there are still slaves out there. I will not abandon my nieces and nephews. I will advocate and fight for them until my last breath.”
Photographs and story by By Mamoudou Lamine Kane
NOUAKCHOTT, 4 June 2015
mk/jl/ag/tl
Despite her adversity, Aichana says she will continue to strive for a better life.
“Fighting, I cannot stop fighting,” she said. “As long as I live, I will continue to fight. The fact that I have been set free is not the most important thing. This does nothing, knowing that there are still slaves out there. I will not abandon my nieces and nephews. I will advocate and fight for them until my last breath.”
Photographs and story by By Mamoudou Lamine Kane
NOUAKCHOTT, 4 June 2015
mk/jl/ag/tl
Free Biram, end slavery in Mauritania - Biram Dah Abeid Still Imprisoned: Latest Developments
I became a slave at age 5.
Every day I looked after the herd. Every night I was raped by my
master. I always thought, without understanding, that this was normal.
In Mauritania, where I’m from, hundreds of thousands of people are still held this way today.
But I was lucky. My brother escaped his masters and found an
organization working to stop slavery. He asked them to help free me. But
when they came to take me away, at first I completely refused. I
couldn’t imagine a life away from my masters, a life where you worked no
matter what, even if pregnant or giving birth. This was the only life I
had ever known.
The man who came for me, and who has dedicated his life to freeing others like me, is now behind bars for daring to speak out against slavery. But in seven days there is a court appeal and he could be released.
If hundreds of thousands of people around the world speak out for Biram
Dah Abeid, we can break his chains so he can continue helping others
break theirs. Join me now.
- Haby mint Rabah, with Avaaz
- Haby mint Rabah, with Avaaz
To Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, President of Mauritania, the European Union and all world leaders:
As citizens of the world, we believe that slavery must be entirely abolished in all its forms. We call on you to do everything in your power to ensure anti-slavery leader Biram Dah Abeid and his colleagues are freed immediately and unconditionally, repression of abolitionists stops, legal recognition is given to anti-slavery organisations, and real progress is made to end this human cruelty in Mauritania. We call on the EU to review and suspend European Development Fund payments unless these actions are taken, and all world governments to take urgent action to end the shame of 21st century slavery.
Click here!
Biram Dah Abeid Still Imprisoned: Latest Developments
The
Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) has gathered
recent news and first-hand information about the current developments in
Mauritania. On 11 November 2014, the Mauritanian Government arrested
eight anti-slavery activists during a peaceful protest march, including
the high-profile campaigner Biram Dah Abeid. Since then, the Government
has stepped up its clampdown of anti-slavery activists, particularly
members linked to the IRA-Mauritania (Initiative for the Resurgence of
the Abolitionist Movement). Moreover, according to Amnesty International, four IRA-Mauritania members arrested in early November are still imprisoned and awaiting trial.
The current developments are
particularly worrying due to the wide presence of modern-day slavery in
Mauritania. According to the recently-published 2014 Global Slavery Index,
there are over 155,000 people trapped in modern slavery in the country,
accounting for over 4 percent of the entire population. This makes
Mauritania the country with the highest prevalence of slavery in the
world. Despite outlawing slavery three times and making it a criminal
offence in 2007, the Mauritanian Government has failed to genuinely
tackle the problem.
Biram Dah Abeid,
the President of IRA-Mauritania, was previously arrested in 2010 and
2012. He received the death sentence in 2012 for burning the ‘Abrégé de
Khlil’ (a non-sacred interpretation of Islam). Yet, his execution is
still pending. Despite such harassment, he has been widely recognized by
the international community for his brave campaigning. In 2013, he was
awarded both the UN Human Rights Prize and the Front Line Defenders Award.
Following the alarming circumstances and
reports of the torture of some imprisoned anti-slavery campaigners,
UNPO wishes to draw attention to the ongoing situation in Mauritania. It
calls for the immediate and unconditional release of imprisoned
anti-slavery activists and for the Mauritanian authorities to stop its
current clampdown on the anti-slavery movement (please click here for our Press Release).
Timeline of Events:
26 June 2015
On 26 June 2015, Mauritanian media announced the provisional release of antislavery activist and President of the NGO Kawtal, Djiby Sow, for health reasons. According to his family, his medical condition is worrying. Mr Sow suffers from the consequences of the hunger strike he participated in with his fellow activists Mr Biram Dah Abeid and Mr Brahim Jiddou. He suffers from kidney complications and skin problems.
The NGO Kawtal Ngam Yellitaare expressed its gratitude toward Ms Fatimata Mbaye, lawyer and President of the Mauritanian Human Rights Association; international and national organisations; and diplomatic institutions, for the efforts they have put into pressuring the authorities to release Mr Djiby Sow. The United States Embassy in Nouakchott published a press release welcoming the release.
Meanwhile, the medical condition of Mr Abeid is still deteriorating. According to the International Human Rights Federation, he suffers from stomach and dental pain as well as hypertension. He does not have access to medical attention in prison and the strict diet that his condition requires is not respected by the prison authorities.
The appeal trial of Mr Abeid, Mr Ramdhane, Mr Sow and Mr Jiddou is still pending.
22 June 2015
It has now been more than seven months since Biram Dah Abeid was incarcerated on 11 November 2014.
IRA members Dr Saad Ould Louleyd and Ms Marieme Cheikh have recently been released and are now both leading a delegation to raise IRA’s voice abroad.
The delegation led by Dr Louleyd,
travelled to the United States and was welcomed by members of the
Mauritanian community in Washington, DC on 10 June. Later, they
travelled to Philadelphia and met with the mayor of the city. The
delegation will continue travelling to several big American cities where
they are planning to meet NGOs and members of the civil society.
The second delegation, led by Ms Cheikh,
but also by leading member of Kawtaal Mr Malik Lom, is travelling
around Europe and arrived in Germany on 16 June. The group will also
visit other European countries such as Italy and France.
Mauritanian President Mr Aziz came across IRA protesters
during his visit to the region of Brakna. The activists were holding
photos of Biram Dah Abeid, Brahim Jiddou and Djibi Sow, and signs asking
for Biram to be freed and Aziz to resign. In response to this protest,
the President decided to preventively arrest all IRA activists living
around Rosso before his visit to the city. It was reported that these
arrests were accompanied by torture, which has become a common practice
under the ruling of President Aziz. These arrests have not discouraged
the IRA activists, who continue to demonstrate two to three times a week
in both Nouakchott and Aleg.
11 May 2015
According to the latest news received by IRA activists, Mr Abeid and Mr Jiddou’s appeal trial is scheduled to take place on 22 May 2015 in Aleg. Mr Abeid and Mr Jiddou’s lawyers have nevertheless asked for a release on bail until the trial, but have not yet received any official response from the authorities.
IRA members, Mr Ahmed Amou Ould Moustapha, a radiologist, and Mr Mohamed Baba, a university professor, both living and working in France, visited imprisoned IRA activists in Aleg on 15 April 2015. They found anti-slavery Biram Dah Abeid and Brahim Jiddou determined and in relatively good health.
Mr Abeid reported feeling thankful for the actions led by IRA in the south of France, Paris, Brussels, Rome, Geneva, Berlin, Washington, and many other cities.
IRA-France has been organizing a mock tribunal with other French NGOs, such as Amnesty International France or Agir Ensemble pour les Droits de l’Homme. His wife, Ms Leyla Mint Ahmed, has been organizing the resistance movement in Aleg.
Mr Jiddou’s family has been facing a hard financial situation, since his high school teacher salary has been suspended, while his family lacks other means of subsistence.
Mr Moustapha and Mr Baba also visited anti-slavery Mr Djiby Sow on 24 April in Nouakchott, Mauritania, where he was transferred after participating in a hunger strike with Mr Abeid and Mr Jiddou in January 2015. He suffers from kidney complications and skin problems.
24 March 2015
On 19 March 2015, Nouakchott
Criminal Court delivered its verdict on the trial of IRA activists Mr
Brahim Jiddou, Mr Yacoub Inalla and Mr Sabar Ould Houssein,
condemning them to six, five and seven months in prison, respectively.
IRA-Mauritania has underlined that this verdict highlights the great
influence of Ulamas on the Mauritanian justice system, and is believed
to be a result of the fact that the Government feels threatened by the
widespread support the abolitionist movement is enjoying at the
international level. Mr Jiddou, Mr Inalla and Mr Sabar Ould Hossein were
arrested on 24 October 2014 after having been excommunicated by Imam
Ahmedou Ould Lemrabott Ould Habibou Rahmane.
From 16 to 20 March, a UNPO delegation
travelled to Mauritania with the primary objectives to visit Mr Biram
Dah Abeid, who is a member of the UNPO Presidency, in prison and to
assess efforts at the national level to combat slavery and its
aftermaths. In addition to meeting with various governmental agencies,
the two delegates also had the opportunity to talk to representatives of
IRA-Mauritania, SOS Esclaves, Collectif des Victimes de la Répression
(COVIRE), Collectif des Rescapés et Militaires (COREMI), Touche pas à ma
nationalité, and several other civil society actors.
12 March 2015
Today, the criminal court of Nouakchott acquitted Dr Saad Ould Louleid, Mr Yacoub Ould Moussa and Ms Mariem Mint Cheikh Dieng.
They had been charged a few months ago with organizing, calling for and
participating in an unauthorized protest and being members of an
unrecognized organization.
IRA members have expressed their joy
after this verdict, by gathering in front of the civil and women’s
prison of Nouakchott, where they will wait for their fellow activists to
be released.
11 March 2015
The trial of IRA members Brahim Jiddou, Yacoub Inalla and Sabar Houssein, arrested on 24 October 2014 after having been excommunicated by Imam Ahmedou Ould Lemrabott Ould Habibou Rahmane, began on 5 March 2015.
During the trial, the prosecution demanded a two-year prison sentence and a fine of 60,000UM for the activists.
The lawyers of IRA members have underlined the very political tone of
the accusations and the trial. The verdict is expected to be delivered
on 19 March 2015.
On 9 March 2015, several dozens of IRA supporters met in front of the Courthouse
in Aleg to demand the release of Biram Dah Abeid, Brahim Ould Bilal and
Djiby Sow. The police and guard units on patrol violently dispersed the
peaceful gathering. Several demonstrators were injured, including
activist Fatimata Fall Mint Achour, who was taken to the regional
hospital by fellow campaigners.
It has been reported that the group of activists, detained since 12 November 2014, has suffered from extortion and robbery at the Nouakchott Prison.
This week, for unknown reasons, prison
guards have searched the cell of IRA activist Dr Saad Ould Louleid.
Immediately following the inspection, the activist noticed the
disappearance of his money, watch and other valuables. The IRA activists
have also been repeatedly subjected to verbal and physical harassment
by other prisoners. The assaulted activists filed complaints to the
penitentiary authorities, without success.
26 February 2015
The negotiations between Mr Biram Dah
Abeid, Mr Brahim Ramdhan Bilal, Mr Sow Djiby and the administration of
the prison of Aleg where they are detained, were successful, also thanks to the assistance of a delegation of the National Bar Association (ONA).
All three prisoners obtained the right to receive visits from their
friends and families three days a week. Additionally, they can now have
access to sunny parts of the prison, practice sports, listen to the
radio and watch the television. They have also been told that their
cases have been transferred to the Nouakchott Court of Appeal. Following
these developments, the three anti-slavery activists sent a letter to
the Prosecutor to announce the end of their hunger strike.
25 February 2015
The announcement of the trial verdict of Mariem Mint Cheikh Dieng, Dr Saad Louleyd and Yacoub Ould Moussa is postponed to 12 March 2015.
In the meantime, a delegation of the Bar Association visit
the three prisoners of conscience, Mr Biram Dah Abeid, Mr Brahim Bilal
Ramdhan and Mr Djibi Sow, in prison. The association states that the
prisoners are in 'the right frame of mind' and calls upon the
international community to lead a strong and urgent action leading to
the release of the anti-slavery activists. It is further reported that
Mr Djibi Sow is no longer participating in the hunger strike on the
advice of his doctors.
23 February 2015
After the demands in their letter sent
on 19 February are not met, Biram Dah Abeid, Brahim Bilal Ramdhan and
Jibril Mamadou Sow being an indefinite hunger strike in protest. For
more information, read our press release and copies of the ultimatum letter.
19 February 2015
The Belgian branch of IRA-Mauritania hold a sit-in demonstration
in front of the European Parliament on this day in order to denounce
the arbitrary arrests over the last few months and the daily human
rights violations taking place in Mauritania.
UNPO recieves a copy of an ultimatum letter sent by Biram Dah Abeid, Brahim Bilal Ramdhan and Jibril Mamadou Sow to the Mauritanian authorities.
In the letter they make three demands: 1) that they are transferred to
the prison within the correct jurisdiction in Nouakchott; 2) that their
families and loved ones, from whom the prisoners have been denied from
seeing, are allowed visitation rights; 3) that their fellow prisoners
who are also being arbitrarily detained are given their right to a fair
trial.
The letter also stipulates that if these
demands are not met then the three prisoners will begin passive
protestation in the prison, and any harm that comes to them thereof will
be the responsibility of the Mauritanian authorities.
13 February 2015
The trial of Mariem Mint Cheikh Dieng, Dr Saad Louleyd and Yacoub Ould Moussa
is postponed to Thursday, 19 February 2015, after the judge cut short
the questioning of Ms Cheikh Dieng by a defense lawyer. The lawyers of
the accused then walk out of the courtroom in protest. IRA-Mauritania
activists and supporters had gathered outside the courthouse to demand
the acquittal of the three human rights activists as well as the release
of all other detained and imprisoned anti-slavery campaigners,
including Biram Dah Abeid.
12 February 2015
Several hundred members and supporters of IRA-Mauritania demonstrate
gather in front of the courthouse in Nouakchott demanding the release
of the detained and imprisoned anti-slavery activists. The trial of Dr
Saad Louleyd and other IRA-Mauritania members has been postponed several
times over the last week but finally starts today.
10 February 2015
Mr Biram Dah Abeid’s wife, Mrs Leila Ahmed Khliva, states that she has been denied access to the prison and can therefore not visit her husband.
5 February 2015
The trail against Dr Saad Louleyd,
the spokesperson of IRA-Mauritania who had been arrested on 11 November
2014, Mariem Mint Cheikh Dieng and Yacoub Ould Moussa starts in the
regional court in Nouakchott. They have been charged with organizing,
calling for and participating in an unauthorized protest and being
members of an unrecognized organization. However, the trial is postponed
to Thursday, 12 February 2015. The judge gives no reason for this
decision. However, activists believe that today’s court date was rushed
and only organized in order to end the hunger strike, which started on 3
February 2015. It should also be noted that Dr Saad Louleyd suffers from diabetes and needs daily medical monitoring, which he has been refused for at least part of his detention.
In anticipation of the start of the trial, members and supporters of IRA-Mauritania hold a sit-in protest
outside the courthouse. The protesters demanded the acquittal of the
three activists, greater justice and the eradication of slavery in the
country. The police, armed with tear gas and batons, monitor the
situation closely.
3 February 2015
Seven anti-slavery activists and IRA-Mauritania members currently awaiting trial start a hunger strike
to protest against the continued delay of their trials. The seven
activists are Dr Saad Louleyd (IRA-Mauritania’s spokesperson who was
arrested on 11 November 2014), Mariem Mint Cheikh Dieng (the private
secretary of Biram Dah Abeid arrested on 12 November 2014), Yacoub Ould
Moussa, Yacou Inalla, Saber Houssein, Brahim Ould Jiddou and Baba
Traoré. The latter four activists have been in detention since the end
of October 2014.
The strikers also demand that Mr Sabar
Houssein receives adequate medical assistance. Mr Sabar was beaten by
prison guards in Dar Naim before being transferred to a prison in
Nouakchott and has yet to receive medical assistance despite his
condition deteriorating.
26 January 2015
The motion tabled by Jeremy Corbyn MP in the British Parliament has, so far, been signed by 16 MPs. According to the UK Parliament’s website,
the majority of such early day motions receive only one or two
signatures, while around 70 or 80 a year receive over one hundred.
22 January 2015
During a press conference in Nouakchott,
the spokesperson of the Mauritanian Government and Minister of
Relations, Mr Izid Bih Ould Mohamed Mahmoud, reportedly announces that
the Mauritanian Government is not against holding early Presidential
elections. Allegedly, he further points out that following the demand of
the opposition for early elections, the Government had proposed talks
regarding this matter, to which the opposition has not yet responded.
UNPO will continue to monitor developments regarding potential early
Presidential elections in Mauritania.
20 January 2015
The delegation of the European Union in Mauritania issues a statement
raising its concern regarding the heavy sentence imposed on the
abolitionist campaigners on 15 January 2015. The delegation reiterates
the commitment of the EU to respect all human rights, including the
rights of association and peaceful protest, and promises to monitor
further developments regarding this case with particular attention. It
also encourages the Mauritanian authorities to adequately tackle slavery
and strengthen national unity through peaceful dialogues.
19 January 2015
Local sources inform UNPO that a sit-in
protest, organized by IRA-Mauritania and the anti-slavery organization
Kawtal following the announcement of the verdict, was violently
suppressed by the police using tear gas. Several activists were beaten,
forcibly abducted and dropped off dozens of kilometers away from the
location of the protest. Among the people injured was Mr Boubacar
Messaoud, President of the anti-slavery organization SOS Esclaves, who
has been hospitalized. Some protesters are still missing after being
taken away by authorities. Mr Elhaj Ould Elid, the head of
IRA-Mauritania in Riyadh, was able to send a message asking for help,
however, he was unable to communicate his location.
On the same day, the Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) of the European Parliament, Ms Elena Valenciano, releases a press statement
condemning the imprisonment of the three activists, including Biram Dah
Abeid. Ms Valenciano calls for the unconditional and immediate release
of the imprisoned anti-slavery campaigners, for the Mauritanian
authorities to repeal the court verdict and stop the use of force
against abolitionist protesters.
16 January 2015
The U.S. Department of State releases a press statement expressing
its concern over the two year prison sentence of Mr Abeid, Mr Bilal
Ramdhane and Mr Sow. The statement further called for a fair,
transparent and impartial review of the verdict and committed itself to
continuing to support the struggle against slavery in the country.
The prominent Congressman and member of the Democratic Party, Mr Eliot L. Engel, makes a personal statement regarding
the recent court verdict stating that he is ‘deeply disappointed to
hear of the sentencing’. In addition, he calls upon the Mauritanian
authorities to release the imprisoned activists and to allow
IRA-Mauritania to register legally.
15 January 2015
The court announces its verdict in the
case against the nine anti-slavery activists arrested on 11 November
2014, including Mr Biram Dah Abeid. While two thirds of the activists
are acquitted, Mr Biram Dah Abeid, Brahim Bilal Ramdhane (Vice-President
of IRA-Mauritania) and Djibi Sow (President of the anti-slavery
organization Kawtal) are sentenced to two years in prison.
Following the announcement, supporters
of IRA-Mauritania remain outside the Tribunal of Rosso calling for the
release of the three campaigners under strict surveillance from the
security forces before the police use tear gas to disperse the
protesters. One activist expresses his shock stating that there was no
evidence justifying such a conviction. Moreover, the lawyers of the
three campaigners vow to appeal the verdict.
In the British Parliament, Jeremy Corbyn MP tables an early day motion
condemning the sentence of the three anti-slavery activists in
Mauritania. The motion expresses concern about the detention and
treatment of the activists, the trial conditions and the possible
ramifications of this sentence on Mauritania’s civil society, as well as
the global struggle against modern slavery. It calls upon the UK
Government to raise these concerns with the Mauritanian authorities and
the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, and to cooperate with its
partners in the EU regarding this issue.
31 December 2014
The criminal court in Rosso rules to
put the file of the imprisoned activists under advisement and will
announce its verdict on 15 January 2015. The application for bail by the
defense lawyers is rejected.
29 December 2014
As the trial against Mr Abeid and the other activists arrested on 11 November 2014 continues, the prosecution asks for
a prison sentence of 5 years, a fine of 540,000 UM (the equivalent to
about 1800 US dollars) and for the confiscation of all property
belonging to IRA-Mauritania.
25 December 2014
Meanwhile, Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mkhaitir is sentenced to death in
Mauritania for allegedly insulting the Prophet Mohammad. Mr Mkhaitir
was arrested on 2 January 2014 after he had published an article about
the caste system and slavery in Mauritania on his blog. Although the
article criticizes some of the actions of the prophet, the 28-year-old denies insulting the prophet and claims that the article has been misinterpreted.
During the hearing on 23 December 2014, Mr Mkhaitir was left without a lawyer
to defend him, as his original lawyer decided to resign after he and
his family received death threats. The state-appointed attorneys later
also distanced themselves from the case due to receiving similar
threats.
24 December 2014
The criminal court in Rosso (South) starts the proceedings against
Biram Dah Abeid, six other members of IRA-Mauritania and Djiby Sow,
President of the anti-slavery organization Kawtal. The accused are
charged with inciting violence, disturbing public order, offending
members of the authorities and being members of an unregistered
organization.
The proceedings start after a 5-hour
delay, while a crowd has gathered outside the courthouse peacefully
protesting for the release of the activists. When being allowed to
address the allegations against him, Mr Abeid accuses the Mauritanian
regime of targeting the leaders of the Haratin community, including
himself. He points out that the caravan was authorized by the Ministry
of Interior and that its participants were well organized and peaceful.
Moreover, he states that IRA-Mauritania had filed an application to
become a registered organization a long time ago but, as of yet, had not
received a rejection from the authorities. After around 3 hours, the
judge suspends the trial till the next day, 25 December 2014.
On the same day, the Embassy of the United States of America in Mauritania publishes a press statement
calling for a transparent, fair and objective trial of the imprisoned
activists. It further states that it is closely monitoring the
proceedings and the situation of the IRA-Mauritania campaigners.
23 December 2014
The National Assembly of Mauritania unanimously adopts a resolution calling
for the European Parliament to stop interfering in the internal affairs
of the country. The resolution takes note of the European Parliament
urgent resolution from 18 December 2014 regarding the recent
developments in Mauritania and highlights the alleged efforts and
success of the Mauritanian Government to adequately tackle slavery. It
further states that the National Assembly regrets and rejects the
stipulations contained in the European Parliament resolution. It calls
upon the Mauritanian Government and all national stakeholders, including
human rights organizations and economic actors, within Mauritania to
defend the country’s sovereignty.
18 December 2014
The European Parliament passes an urgent resolution on Mauritania,
in particular on the case of Biram Dah Abeid, following weeks of
lobbying work by UNPO. The vote is approved almost unanimously by the
751 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) following a debate in the
Strasbourg hemicycle, during which MEPs from all political groups
denounced the arrest of Biram Dah Abeid, and calls for his immediate
release. The resolution also reiterates the importance of Mr Abeid’s
IRA-Mauritania movement, and underlines the necessity of dismantling
slavery in Mauritania.
17 December 2014
UNPO learns that the
imprisoned activists and their lawyers are notified of a hearing that is
supposed to take place on the same day in front of the judge. On the
advice of their lawyers, Mr Abeid and the other detainees refuse to
appear before the court. The lack of notice for the hearing infringes
Mauritanian trial procedures and, according to the lawyers, constitutes
an infringement of due process. As stipulated in Mauritanian law,
defendants have the right to legal counsel, the right to present a
defense and the right to advance notification of judicial proceedings.
The court, as a response to
the refusal of the defendants to appear before the judge, reschedules
the hearing for Wednesday, 24 December 2014.
On the same day, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office replies to the parliamentary question
submitted by Angus Robertson MP on 11 December 2014. The office assures
that they know about the recent arrests and are following the situation
closely. The statement further explains that the British authorities
have met with a range of stakeholders involved with the issue, including
members of the IRA-Mauritania and have discussed the matter with their
partner in the EU on 3 December 2014. The office promises to ‘continue
to engage with Mauritania on human rights issues’.
15 December 2014
UNPO learns that a Mauritanian
government delegation will be travelling to Strasbourg this week in
order to discourage MEPs from passing a strong Urgent Resolution. This
resolution aims to pressure the Mauritanian authorities to release Biram
Dah Abeid and his fellow activists and thoroughly address persistent
slavery in the country.
In addition, Biram Dah Abeid's advisor Hamady Ould Lehbouss reports that
the Mauritanian authorities have confiscated Mr Abeid's phone, although
a judge had authorised Mr Abeid to receive visitors and have access to a
mobile phone while in prison. Mr Lehbouss suspects that the Mauritanian
authorities have denied Mr Abeid access to his phone to prevent him
from giving regular updates to the campaigners fighting for his release,
as they fear such contact might counter their lobbying work in Europe.
12 December 2014
The OHCHR issues a report made
by its delegation in Mauritania. The delegation was sent to investigate
allegations of torture and poor conditions of detention for those who
were arrested on 11 November and in the subsequent weeks, and to
investigate allegations of disproportionate force used against the
activists during the unauthorized demonstration.
The delegation met with authorities
involved in the arrest and detention, as well as some of the activists
themselves. They reported that "in general, the conditions of
detention in the places that were visited do not comply with the minimum
international standards, most particularly the detention units
and their ventilation."
However, they concluded that there was
no evidence suggesting that acts amounting to torture had occurred. They
also concluded that there was not enough evidence to determine whether
there had been a disproportionate amount of force used in the arrest of
the activists and if ill treatment had occurred in the first days of
their detention. Therefore, “the Office remains concerned by the allegations that were made on this issue."
The OHCHR urges the Mauritanian
government to launch a thorough and independent investigation, free an
individual who is detained only for having peacefully protested,
that all registers of detainees are maintained properly to help keep
detention conditions transparent, and to ensure that all detainees have
constant access to medical care.
On the same day, two Members of the
House of Representatives of the Netherlands, Professor Eric Smaling and
Mr Harry van Bommel (both members of the Socialist Party), publish a parliamentary question
asking the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs if he knows how the
imprisoned activists in Mauritania are being treated. Moreover, they ask
if he agrees with Amnesty International's demands that the Mauritanian
Government must end its clampdown on anti-slavery activists and release
the detained campaigners unconditionally, and if he is willing to get in
touch with Mauritanian authorities to express his concern over the
situation.
11 December 2014
Angus Robertson, a Member of the Parliament of the United Kingdom belonging to the Scottish National Party (SNP), addresses a written parliamentary question at
the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office asking what representation
the UK Government has made to the Mauritanian Government on the
continued detention of Mr Biram Dah Abeid and the other imprisoned
anti-slavery activists in Mauritania.
8 December 2014
Biram Dah Abeid publishes a letter from prison
with the help of his lawyers. In the letter, the anti-slavery activist
warns the crackdown on civil society by the Mauritanian Government could
lead to nation-wide tensions and conflicts that might be irreversible.
He further notes that his colleagues and he demand their ‘right to
appear before the justice of men’. He promises that: ‘We will leave
prison when and only when this has been realized, unless we are
expelled, in which case we will return and re-assume our position as
oppressed people waging a struggle’.
4 December 2014
Charles Tannock and Mark Demesmaeker, Members of the European Parliament, submit an urgent parliamentary question
asking for a written answer from the European Commission regarding the
recent arrests in Mauritania. The questions asked if the Vice-President
of the Commission is aware of these recent developments, if she will
call upon the Mauritanian authorities to release the imprisoned
campaigners and increase the Commission’s efforts to encourage the
Mauritanian authorities to adequately tackle slavery.
27 November 2014
Yacoub Moussa, a member of
IRA-Mauritania, is arrested 16 days after the original wave of arrests
occurred. This signals a resolve on the part of the Mauritanian
government to continue its suppression of civil society and political
opposition.
20 November 2014
Biram is taken before an Investigative
Judge, who confirms the following charges being held against
him: Inciting violence, disturbing public order, offending a member of
the authorities (outrage à l’autorité) and being a member of an
unregistered organization.
The Investigative Judge denies bail to
Biram but provides no explanation or reasons for the denial. Biram,
therefore, remains in detention.
19 November 2014
The President and a large delegation of
the National Bar Association of Mauritania visit Biram and the other
imprisoned campaigners in prison. The delegation tells the detainees
that they consider them to be prisoners of conscience and that the
National Bar Association will defend them. The activists also receive a
visit by members of the anti-slavery organization SOS Esclaves (SOS
Slaves) led by the President of the organization, Mr. Boubacar Messaoud.
Reports indicate the prisoners face
horrible conditions due to the small sizes of their cells and the
sweltering humid heat. They hardly get to sleep. More worryingly,
however, is the alleged treatment of Dr. Saad Louleyd, the spokesperson
of IRA-Mauritania. Currently imprisoned in Nouakchott, he has been
apparently tortured. He was denied access to his medication, which he
needs due to his diabetes, was deprived of sleep for several days and
was not allowed to wash himself for six days. The police and public
prosecutor also tried to get him to sign minutes of his interrogation,
which did not conform to the actual answers he had given. He refused to
do so. It is unknown at this point whether his situation has improved.
The two activists arrested on 12
November 2014 are referred to the prosecution and put on probation. They
are ordered to pay a fine of 20,000 Mauritanian Ouguiya each (roughly
55 Euros). According to Minimum-Wage, this is just below the Mauritanian minimum monthly wage for adults.
14 November 2014
On 13 and 14 November 2014, Biram Dah Abeid is able to give interviews to several news agencies, including Voice of America and Deutsche Welle.
He informs Voice of America that he is accused of ‘racism’ and that the
authorities are threatening to prosecute him for inciting hatred, which
can carry a prison sentence of 15 years.
The activists arrested on 11 November, 2014, are charged with
various crimes, including ‘working in an unauthorised organisation’,
‘violating public order’, ' inciting violence’ and ‘offending the
authorities’. While, according to the BBC,
the Mauritanian authorities accuse the IRA-Mauritania of distributing
racist propaganda, sowing racism and hatred and being an organization of
extremists.
13 November 2014
A non-violent protest occurs in Rosso
and Nouakchott calling for the release of recently arrested activists.
The Mauritanian authorities use this opportunity to arrest Mariem
Cheikh, a high level officer of IRA-Mauritania.
12 November 2014
Two other IRA-Mauritania members,
Chedad Mohamed and Mohamed Vadoua, are arrested in Nouakchott. There
are reports of some of the other arrested activists allegedly being
tortured.
Further protests take place in Nouakchott calling for the release of the imprisoned campaigners.
11 November 2014
On the morning of 11 November 2014, Biram Dah Abeid and at least eight other anti-slavery activists are arrested
following a peaceful march against slavery. Among the arrested are also
the Vice-Presdient of IRA-Mauritania, Mr. Brahim Bilal Ramdhane, and
the President of the anti-slavery NGO Kawtal, Mr. Djiby Sow.
The activists
are campaigning with the Caravan of Liberty in the town of Chgara when
the Mauritanian gendarmerie, on the orders of the local Wali, use tear
gas and stun grenades to stop them. The activists are assaulted by the
police before being arrested and taken to prison in the regional capital
Rosso. According to some reports, Biram is originally not involved in the caravan and only arrived after the police tried to halt the march.
The headquarters of IRA-Mauritania
in Nouakchott is closed by the police, who accuse the NGO of spreading
hatred. The spokesperson for the organization, Dr. Saad Ould Louleyd,
is also arrested.
At night a demonstration calling for the immediate release of the imprisoned activists in Nouakchott is dispersed using tear gas.
The known names
of the arrested activists are: Biram Dah Abeid, Brahim Bilal Ramdhane,
Khattri Rahel, Cheikh Vall, Dah Boushab, Abidine Matalla, Samba Diagana,
Hassane Mahmoud, and Djiby Sow.
7 November 2014
IRA-Mauritania re-launches the Caravan
of Liberty campaign with the objective of denouncing the exploitation of
the Haratin and other marginalized sections of society from landowners.
The campaign further aims to force the State to initiate genuine land
reforms granting ownership to those who currently are working and have
always worked on these lands.
The initiative originally started in
January 2013 to raise awareness among the national and international
communities about slavery in Mauritania and to pressure the Mauritania
Government to properly implement its anti-slavery legislation. The
Caravan of Liberty consists of a convoy of activists, who travel from
town to town to hold marches and public gatherings.
3 November 2014
Three other IRA-Mauritania members (Brahim Jiddou, Baba Traoré and Yacoub Inalla) are arrested after they publicly defend the IRA at a mosque in Nouakchott.
The same day, all four recently arrested
IRA-activists are charged with disruption of prayer, incitement to
hatred and rebellion against authority. Mr. Sabbar Hussein is jailed,
while the others are released but placed under judicial control.
However, later reports speak of all four activists remaining in prison.
They join two IRA-Mauritania members
(Hanana Mboyrick and Boubacar Yatma) already imprisoned earlier in the
year, who still have not been released.
1 November 2014
Mr. Sabber Hussein is arrested following his public denouncement the day before.
31 October 2014
During the prayer at the biggest mosque in Nouakchott, Mr. Sabbar Hussein, an IRA-Mauritania member, publicly denounces land exploitation and slavery and accuses the mufti of supporting it.
Mid-October 2014:
Deutsche Welle
reports that the Imam of the largest mosque in Nouakchott has called
for Biram Dah Abeid to be murdered for allegedly insulting Islam.
21 June 2014:
Biram Dah Abeid finishes second in the Mauritanian presidential elections,
receiving a total of 8.67 percent of the votes. However, Abeid strongly
denounces the elections results citing wide-spread fraud by the ruling
party of Mauritania.
Related News
- Haratin: IRA Accuses Mauritanian Justice System of Obedience to Executive Jul 31, 2015
- Haratin: IRA-Mauritania Condemns Slave Arrest and Calls for Fair Judicial Process Jul 7, 2015
- “Only With Biram Can We Move Forward” Mauritanian Diaspora Protest Imprisonment of Anti-Slavery Activists outside EP May 15, 2015
- Mauritanian Diaspora Call for Release of Activists at Sit-in outside European Parliament Apr 17, 2015
- Mauritania: Mariem Mint Cheikh Dieng "Honorary Citizen of Naples" Mar 18, 2015
- Free Biram! UNPO Presidency issues urgent appeal for release of Mauritanian anti-slavery activists Mar 11, 2015
- UNPO Demands Immediate Release of IRA Anti-Slavery Activists and Announces Fact-Finding Mission Mar 10, 2015
- More Haratin news »
Related Publications
- UNPO Concludes Fact-Finding Mission to Mauritania Feb 18, 2014
- UNPO-IRA Report To ICCPR Outlines Widespread Continuation Of Slavery In Mauritania Feb 26, 2013
- Biram Dah Abeid In Court On Unknown Charges May 31, 2012
- UNPO Releases Briefing Note on the Haratin Mar 5, 2012
- More Haratin publications »
Members
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Photo courtesy of: La Vanguardia 2014
Mauritania: Jailed presidential candidate and anti-slavery activists must be released
Yemen: Bloody trail of civilian death and destruction paved with evidence of war crimes
The Mauritanian authorities must release three activists -
including a prominent opposition politician - jailed today for holding
anti-slavery rallies, Amnesty International said. Police used tear gas
and batons to disperse the protestors in front of the court who were
demonstrating against the judgment.
The court in the southern town of Rosso handed down two-year
sentences to three anti-slavery activists and human rights defenders,
Brahim Bilal, Djiby Sow and Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid, a former
presidential candidate. They have been convicted of membership of an
unrecognized organization and of taking part in an unauthorized
assembly. Seven other activists were acquitted.
“The conviction of these activists for taking part in peaceful
protests on charges which are vague and open to abuse violates their
human rights to free expression and freedom of peaceful assembly,’’ said
Gaetan Mootoo, Amnesty International West Africa Researcher.
“The failure to obtain a permit for a peaceful assembly should never
be the basis for imprisonment. Their conviction appears to be
politically motivated with members of the group targeted on account of
their peaceful activism. The authorities should take immediate steps to
release them while their appeal is pending.”
Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid is the President of the Initiative for the
Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement (IRA) and was the runner-up in
June’s presidential elections. He also won the UN Human Rights Prize in
2013.
He was arrested in Rosso on 11 November, along with 10 other IRA
members during their peaceful campaign to raise awareness about land
rights for people of slave descent (land slavery). In Mauritania, slave
descendants who work on land without any rights are forced to give a
portion of crops to their traditional masters.
Police stopped the meeting citing the absence of any authorization
documents, despite the IRA having requested them. The group were charged
on 15 November and detained in Rosso without being allowed family
visits.
“The intensifying crackdown on anti-slavery activists in Mauritania
has no legal justification and is symptomatic of the government’s lack
of respect for human rights,” said Gaetan Mootoo, Amnesty
International’s West Africa Researcher.
“The authorities must respect the right of all citizens to demonstrate peacefully.’’
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