Mauritania: Repeal restrictive media laws, MFWA charges Mauritania

The sub-regional rights watchdog, Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), has called for the repeal of all 'laws which restrict media freedom' in Mauritania while condemning the recent two-year imprisonment handed down to Hanevi Ould Dahah, publisher of the online paper (www.tagadoumy.com), PANA reported Monday.

The condemnation and call for the repeal of restrictive media laws were contained in a communique signed by MFWA's Executive Director, Prof. Kwame Karikari.

'The MFWA is concerned about the high-handed and evidently punitive intent of the claims and ruling against Dehah,' it said.

'Whist acknowledging the prerogative of the courts, MFWA appeals to the authorities and the judiciary in Mauritania to resolve complaints of defamation through the options of rejoinders, retractions and apologies.'

The rights watchdog therefore called on Mauritanian authorities to 'immediately and unconditionally' free the journalist 'and ensure that they honour the international obligation to protect the fundamental rights of their citizens, particularly, the freedom of expression, which includes media freedom.'

Dehah was on 4 February sentenced to a two-year prison term by a Nouakchott Appeal court after serving a six-month sentence imposed on him by a lower court for the same offence on 19 August, 2009.

- February 16, 2010 by PANA

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Source: www.afriquejet.com/news/africa-news/media-laws-mauritania-2010021644190.html (accessed on 16.02.10)