US Press Release
April 12, 2009
The United States Embassy Nouakchott expresses deep concern for the ruling military junta’s lack of respect for civil liberties since the August 6, 2008 coup d’état. Recent examples include the regime’s denial of requests for peaceful and legal political demonstrations and violent repression of unauthorized protests.
On April 2nd, 2009 police-led repression targeted two prominent figures — National Assembly President Messaoud Ould Boulkheir and human rights activist and recipient of the 2008 Department of State’s “Heroes Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery” award Boubacar Ould Messaoud. Ould Boulkheir was tear-gassed; Messaoud was beaten unconscious.
The United States Embassy in Nouakchott reiterates the United States Government’s call for the return to constitutional order in Mauritania.