Islamic Republic of Mauritania Makes Slavery a Crime

Hatip to the Pamela over at AtlasShrugs

Islamic Republic of Mauritania Makes Slavery a Crime

Well I'll be damned. Slavery in Mauritania has a long history--for nearly 800 years, the Arab ruling class has enslaved black Mauritanians and targeted free blacks for discrimination. Last week, the newly-elected government of Mauritania passed a law making slavery a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Slavery - where's Rosie O'Donut?

A Miracle in Mauritania"Mauritania has set a new standard of accountability and transparency for the Middle East," Former AASG Director Jesse Sage and Nasser Weddady of the Mauritanian organization SOS Slaves write in this article about the success of the elections earlier this year, which transferred power peacefully from the military leaders who seized power from Colonel Taya in 2005. "The openness of the election was made more impressive by a flourishing civil society. The local press...operated without censorship."

Mauritanian MPs Pass Slavery LawThe BBC's coverage of the new law. SOS Slaves Director Boubacar Ould Messaoud explains, "We now have legislation which not only defends slaves, but punishes the practice of slavery. It is an important change." You can also read about the new law at Voice of America News and the Telegraph.

Silent TerrorThe late Samuel Cotton, a longtime friend and former board member of AASG, investigated slavery himself and wrote of his findings and his personal journey to come to terms with this modern-day atrocity in this powerful and moving book. Though there is still a long distance left to travel, this book shows just how far we have come.