Title: The trial of the former Mauritanian president rebounds: strong return of lawyers to the court
Introduction :
In the trial of former Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, Monday was marked by a surprising event: the return of defense lawyers to court. The group of lawyers withdrew from the hearing two weeks ago, following the court’s refusal to call new witnesses in the case. This decision led to the appointment of new ex officio lawyers. However, the original team finally returned, thus throwing a twist in the course of the trial.
The crucial role of defense lawyers:
From the start of the hearing, the president of the court stressed the importance of the presence of the former president’s collective of lawyers in order to guarantee the smooth running of the trial. The court also said it would consider their request to call new witnesses, a decision that would partly explain the lawyers’ return. According to Me Taleb Kyar, lawyer for Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, this possibility of having new witnesses testify is crucial for the defense. He says this is an integral part of their defense strategy and that their client has refused to have new lawyers. Thus, it is the initial collective which will continue to defend it.
The consequences on the progress of the trial:
This return from the defense lawyers sparked reactions from the civil party’s lawyers. According to Maître Vadili Raiss, this decision should not have been authorized, given that new lawyers had already been appointed ex officio. He believes that this risks disrupting the progress of the trial, which was already in the pleadings phase. For him, the evidence and testimonies have already been presented and it is therefore time to move forward with the indictment.
The issues of the trial:
While the civil party’s pleadings are coming to an end, with requests for seizure of property and financial compensation, the prosecutor will begin his indictment the next day. This trial is closely followed by the Mauritanian population and international public opinion. It is a symbol of the fight against corruption and the illicit enrichment of political leaders. The court’s decision regarding the new witnesses could have a major impact on the outcome of the case and the credibility of justice in the country.
Conclusion :
The trial of former Mauritanian president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz takes an unexpected turn with the return of defense lawyers to court. This decision raises questions about the application of the law and risks disrupting the course of the trial. As the civil party’s pleadings draw to a close, the prosecutor’s indictment will soon begin, thus highlighting the major issues in this case.. The outcome of the trial will be decisive for the fight against corruption in Mauritania and for the credibility of justice.