Thousands of people demonstrated on Friday, June 18, at the exit of mosques to condemn the rise in murders, thefts and rapes recorded in recent months in the country, particularly in the capital Nouakchott. The demonstrators demanded the application of sharia, the Islamic law, against the perpetrators of these crimes. After walking from the Grand Mosque to the city center, they were violently dispersed by riot police using tear gas.
as reported from Nouakchott, Salem Mejbour Salem
Tear gas bombs dropped by riot police did not deter protesters. For Abderahmane, the situation has become catastrophic in the capital: “For some time we have observed that security does not exist, that the population is in total insecurity and confusion. Everyone is threatened. You can not even go out after dusk. We are not used to it. All murders must stop! ”
The violence must end, adds Minetou, a mother from Toujounine, an eastern suburb of Nouakchott. “The situation is critical in Toujounine,” she condemned. Unfortunately, not even a week ago, we experienced several assaults, one of which ended in murder. Less than 48 hours ago, a young girl was raped in the presence of her mother. This leads me to address myself directly to the President of the Republic and his government: please, act by removing the thieves and murderers according to sharia, our Islamic law. ”
Strengthen government action
For Mohamed, Sharia law must be applied more strictly: “Sharia law punishes the perpetrator of adultery with 100 eyelashes, the thief for an amputation and the death penalty for the perpetrator.”
Last week, however, the Mauritanian government announced a strengthening of measures to combat insecurity in the capital’s three regions.
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