Mauritania lawmakers sentenced to 4 years after insulting president over racial bias claims
The women were convicted after social media posts accusing the justice system of racial bias and calling for President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani’s removal.
- On Monday, a court in Nouakchott sentenced two opposition lawmakers, Marieme Cheikh Dieng and Ghamou Achour, to four years in prison for insulting President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and alleging racial bias.
- Authorities charged Dieng and Achour last month with "attacking the symbols of the state" and "calling for gatherings with a view to undermine public security" after they posted messages critical of Ghazouani.
- The lawmakers had criticized the Arab-dominated justice system for discrimination against Black citizens, while the nation faces scrutiny over around 149,000 people enslaved despite a 1981 ban.
- Biram Dah Abeid, leader of the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement, condemned the trial as politically motivated, calling the lawmakers "heroes" and "sincere fighters against injustice."
- The government has not commented on the conviction, and this silence amid international criticism regarding human rights abuses raises questions about Mauritania's commitment to addressing deep-rooted racial issues.
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In Nouakchott, a court found on 4 May 2026 the deputies Ghamou Achour and Mariem Cheikh Dieng guilty of disseminating content "infringing national symbols" and "social cohesion", "defamation", "threats" and "incitement to violence". A decision which intervenes in a climate of intense tension in the National Assembly of Mauritania. Explanations.
Mauritania Convicts Opposition Lawmakers Amid Human Rights Concerns
In Mauritania, two female opposition lawmakers received prison sentences for criticizing the president and alleging racial bias. The trial drew condemnation from human rights groups, highlighting ongoing issues with slavery and discrimination against Black citizens. The government has not commented on the verdict.
Associated Press News
Mauritania lawmakers sentenced to 4 years after insulting president over racial bias claims
Two female opposition lawmakers in Mauritania have been sentenced to four years in prison for insulting the president and inciting violence.
Two MPs from the Mauritanian opposition were sentenced on Monday 4 May to four years in prison for criticizing President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and denouncing racial discrimination, said their lawyers to the Associated Press. According to the defence, parliamentarians were prosecuted after public statements in which they criticized [...] Mauritania article: two opposition MPs sentenced to four years in prison after harsh criticisms against the p…
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