Mauritania: Scope of death penalty expanded for blasphemy Nov. 17

Event

On Friday, November 17, the Mauritanian Ministry of Justice announced that the country will expand its use of the death penalty for convicted blasphemers. Under the new rules, those convicted of blasphemy or apostasy are to be sentenced to death, even if they repent. The announcement comes after a Mauritanian blogger, previously imprisoned and condemned to death for alleged blasphemy, was freed on November 9 after showing repentance and having his sentence commuted to time served.

Violent protests broke out in the country following the November 9 court decision; further protests, and consequent heightened security measures, as well as and traffic disruptions, are possible in the coming days.

Context

The blogger, Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mkhaitir, was initially condemned to death in December 2014 and was held in prison from January 2014 until November 9, 2017, for criticizing the use of religious justifications for racism in Mauritania. The court lessened his sentence to a two-year prison term on November 9; he was then immediately freed for time served. Religious leaders and thousands of people protested the decision, demanding that the death sentence be reinstated.

Advice

Individuals in Mauritania are advised to respect local laws and customs, avoid all protests, and to monitor the situation.

On a more general note, individuals present in Mauritania should remain vigilant at all times due to various security concerns. Due to the threat of kidnapping and terrorism, it is critical that foreigners remain discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. As a reminder, many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to most of the country, including the capital. All travelers are advised to refrain from travel to the northeastern area of the country