About us

The Mauritania Freedom of Expression Victims Monitor was created to contribute sustained, independent documentation of cases involving people who face detention or prosecution in connection with peaceful expression. We want victims to have a clear, lasting record—not a story that depends on a brief news cycle or official accounts alone.

Independent documentation beyond official accounts

We see a need for a dedicated public resource that brings together information about freedom-of-expression cases and follows their development over time. We aim to help fill that gap, alongside the work of journalists and human rights defenders, by making verifiable information accessible rather than relying only on official sources.

Victims must not be forgotten after a day or two

A person's detention or prosecution should not become a social-media trend for one or two days and then disappear from public attention. Our purpose is to preserve a record of each case, follow developments, and help keep victims visible in public discussion and media coverage after the initial attention has faded.

A record for scrutiny and accountability

We want journalists, researchers, human rights organizations, and international observers to have a record they can consult to understand freedom of expression in Mauritania. This includes documenting the effects of legislation such as the law commonly known as the Symbol Protection Law, and examining concerns about restrictions on criticism of the president, other officials, and public institutions—and what those restrictions mean for rights and freedoms.

Our commitment

We aim to verify information, distinguish confirmed facts from allegations, correct errors, and respect the privacy of victims and sources. This platform provides documentation and follow-up, not legal advice. Submissions are not published automatically; information is reviewed before approval for publication.