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NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania (AP) - Mauritania's month-old military junta freed political prisoners jailed by the old regime Friday, sparking joyful street demonstrations across the west African nation.
Col. Ely Ould Mohamed Vall, who led the bloodless Aug. 3 coup that ended Maaouya Sid'Ahmed Ould Taya's 21-year authoritarian rule, said in a televised address he was freeing "all Mauritanians found guilty of political crimes or offenses, to allow them to participate in the political life of the country."
"We've taken this decision to permit all Mauritanians to enjoy their liberty and to guarantee our country a future of peace, prosperity and well-being," said a somber-looking Vall, wearing his military uniform.
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