Investigations in the case known in the media as the "bloggers abroad file" are nearing their end, with security arrangements accelerating to refer more than 15 detainees to the prosecutor of Nouakchott West, according to the independent Al-Akhbar agency, citing private sources.
The same sources expected the referral to take place on Wednesday, after about a month and a half of detention and investigation, the main part of which was handled by State Security, while the economic crimes police questioned some of the suspects, particularly people working as real estate brokers.
The case has drawn controversy over detention conditions and the denial of access to lawyers during police custody, which the prosecution justified by a legal exception covering state security and terrorism offences.
The government had described the case as involving a network accused of financial extortion and spreading false news, and of using threats to obtain money or buy the silence of those targeted.
