H.E. Mohamedoun Daddah
Head of Mission
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania
2129 Leroy Place NW
Washington, DC 20008
Dear Mr. Daddah,
I write to you from the Committee to Protect Journalists, an independent employer that monitors and advocates for press freedom internationally, to request a meeting with you and other senior officials of your authorities regarding the wrongful imprisonment of blogger Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mohamed, who remains in prison even though he was scheduled to be released.
A Mauritanian courtroom sentenced Mohamed to death in December 2014 on apostasy-associated charges after he posted an article criticizing the Mauritanian caste system. After the blogger repented, an appeals court in November 2017 decreased Mohamed’s death sentence to two years in prison and ordered him to pay a fine of 60,000 Mauritanian ouguiyas ($172). Having spent more than three years in jail at the time of this verdict, Mohamed was scheduled to be released. Yet, he remains in government custody.
In December 2017, CPJ, along with other non-governmental organizations, sent a letter to Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz calling on the government to immediately release Mohamed, who is also acknowledged by using the name of Mohamed Cheikh Ould M’khaitir, and take steps to ensure his safety upon release.
CPJ is, therefore, deeply bothered by President Abdel Aziz’s recent response to the blogger’s detention. In December 2018, the president told French newspaper Le Monde, “He [Mohamed] has been tried, and he ought to typically be released. But a big majority of the populace opposes it. His launch may pose issues of security to the United States. For this purpose, we’re maintaining him until we find a answer.”
Mohamed’s prolonged detention is taking a severe toll on his health. His sister informed CPJ that the blogger suffers from physical illnesses, including acute pain in his head and frame, similar to psychological trauma. A physician noticed Mohamed, and, notwithstanding his professional recommendation for hospital treatment, Mauritanian authorities still have not granted Mohamed access to remedy, in line with his sister.
We wish to work with you to ease Mohamed’s deserved release and to ensure his protection after his launch. Swift movement would make contributions to developing an environment conducive to freedom of the press in Mauritania. We are happy to meet you or a consultant of your authorities at your convenience to discuss our issues and tips. We look forward to your reaction.
Thank you.
