Chattel slavery still thrives in the west African country of Mauritania. For more than 800 years, Arabo-Berber (bidanes) have kept black Africans(haratines) in bondage. They work for no pay for their entire lives; they are frequently beaten. Any children born to these slaves also become slaves.
Despite outlawing slavery three times, the Mauritanian government continues to condone this practice. Moreover, it has repeatedly cracked down on abolitionists - arresting and exiling anti-slavery activists who speak out.
In 1998, Boubacar Messaoud, a former slave and now President of SOS Slaves, was arrested after giving an interview on slavery to French television. Only after Amnesty International, the American Anti-Slavery Group, and others spoke out for this "Prisoner of Conscience" was Messaoud released. Unfortunately, four years later, history has repeated itself.
Sidi Yaaraf, an opposition and anti-slavery activist, was detained by the police on April 18 for allegedly distributing materials of a banned opposition group.
Upon his release from jail, he met with Messaoud and revealed that he had been repeatedly tortured. The conversation was held in the presence of two other prominent activists and tape recorded.
Despite outlawing slavery three times, the Mauritanian government continues to condone this practice. Moreover, it has repeatedly cracked down on abolitionists - arresting and exiling anti-slavery activists who speak out.
In 1998, Boubacar Messaoud, a former slave and now President of SOS Slaves, was arrested after giving an interview on slavery to French television. Only after Amnesty International, the American Anti-Slavery Group, and others spoke out for this "Prisoner of Conscience" was Messaoud released. Unfortunately, four years later, history has repeated itself.
Sidi Yaaraf, an opposition and anti-slavery activist, was detained by the police on April 18 for allegedly distributing materials of a banned opposition group.
Upon his release from jail, he met with Messaoud and revealed that he had been repeatedly tortured. The conversation was held in the presence of two other prominent activists and tape recorded.