Amnesty calls for release of opposition leaders

Amnesty International called on Tuesday for the release of three imprisoned members of the opposition Front populaire mauritanien (FPM), describing them as prisoners of conscience. A statement by the London-based rights group said the 14 June conviction of FPM leader Mohammed Lemine Chbih Ould Cheikh MelaVnine and fellow party members Mokhtar Ould HaVbetna and Bouba Ould Hassena on charges of conspiracy to commit sabotage and terrorism, was flawed. “The charges against the men are without foundation, and their conviction is intended solely to stifle political opposition,” Amnesty International said. It added that established court procedures were flouted during their trial and evidence tendered by the police was obtained from them under duress. MelaVnine was arrested at his home in the capital, Nouakchott, on 8 April 2001 while HaVbetna and Hassena were picked up six days later. Amnesty International said their trial was later transferred to Aioun, some 800 km east of Nouakchott for further punitive effect. They are now being held under harsh conditions in the prison at Aioun, the group said, adding that it was hard for relatives to visit them because they were so far away, the group said.