afrol News, 28 May - Mauritanian prosecutors have announced their readiness to prosecute 23 suspected terrorists. All the detained suspects, except one, are Mauritanians who will stand trial on several charges, including murder, illegal possession of weapons and organisation of terrorist gangs.

The suspects have also been accused of breaching Mauritania's Penal Code and the 2005 Terrorist Act. The acts, among others, outlawed membership of an international terrorist group, massacre, devastation and seeking to attack the interests of a foreign state, Mauritanian Prosecutor General's Office said.

Mauritanian judicial officials have reportedly issued international arrest warrants against three suspected terrorists on the run. They include the suspected masterminds of an armed gang that that shot and killed four French tourist on 24 December near Aleg, a town that lies 25 km from the capital Nouakchott.

The alleged sponsor of the February 2008 terrorist attack on the Israel embassy in Nouakchott, Khadim Ould Seman, is also among those waiting to be prosecuted.

Mauritania - once reputed as a moderate and tolerant Islamic state - soon turned into a threate of several terrorist attacks. The West African country has been getting its share of the Islamic terror that threatens not only the entie North Africa but also Niger and Mali.

Last week, Interior Ministers from the Westernmediterrean held conference in Muaritania on how to address the numerous threats and challenges posed by terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda in the Maghreb.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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