Mauritanian Islamists are freed

[Eugene]

Mauritanian Islamists are freed
By Pascale Harter
BBC News, Mauritania

The military council which overthrew the president of Mauritania last week has begun releasing political prisoners held under the ousted government.

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Members of the Islamic movement say their leaders were imprisoned as
part of an attempt by the ousted president, Mr Taya, to crush all
opposition.

Under Mr Taya, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania became one of only
three members of the Arab League to establish diplomatic ties with
Israel.

The move was unpopular with the public, as was the presence of American
special forces in the vast desert country.

Full article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4129670.stm