Amnesty International called for the cancellation of the death sentences pronounced

Amnesty International called for the cancellation of the death sentences pronounced against three Mauritanian youths under 18 years. The NGO based its appeal on the fact that at the time of the judgement against the three men for terrorist activities on 11 March 2011, they were still under 18, which represents a violation of national and international norms, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child that Mauritania ratified in 1991. Those sentenced are Mohamed Yahya Ould Salem, Seydina Ali Ould Ahmed and Zeine El Abidine Ould Ahmed, who are presently detained in a prison in Nouakchott.