Madar (Nouakchott) - The head of the Mauritanian Journalists Association, Moussa Bahli, has said that Mauritanian journalist Ishaq Ould El Mokhtar, missing in Syria for about 15 years, is still alive.
Speaking live on his personal page, Bahli said he had obtained information to that effect from figures he described as influential.
Bahli, who is currently in Damascus, said he had made contacts as part of following up the case of the missing journalist, adding that Ishaq's brother had been due to accompany him.
His remarks divided Mauritanian social media users: some found them inappropriate and accused him of toying with the feelings of the journalist's family, while others said they renewed hope and offered reassurance, while urging more vigilance and caution until Ould El Mokhtar is reached and the information is officially confirmed.
