Jan 15, 2016

Arrest of Biram Dah Abeid and Issue of Slavery in Mauritania Raised in BBC Africa: Interview with Abidine Merzough


On 15 January 2016, BBC Africa broadcasted an interview with Mr Abidine Merzough, European Coordinator of the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement in Mauritania (IRA-Mauritania). In 2014, the president of the anti-slavery organisation, Mr Biram Dah Abeid, was arrested during a demonstration and sentenced to two years in prison  for calling an unauthorized rally and inciting violence against the public authorities. According to Mr Merzough, while the Mauritanian government represses anti-slavery activists, slaveholders remain free in the country.  On 15 January 2016, the Green Party (UK) marked the first anniversary of conviction of Mr Biram Dah Abeid with a renewed call for his release.

Click here to listen to the audio of Mr Merzough's interview by Hélène Alex.

Click here to read the Call for Release of Bidam Dah Abeid issued by the Green Party

Photo courtesy of Lisa Develtere.