(FILES) Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz poses during a photo session during the "Festival des villes anciennes" (Ancient cities Festival) in Oualata, southeastern Mauritania. (Photo by THOMAS SAMSON / AFP)
Nouakchott: A Mauritanian prosecutor Tuesday requested a 20-year prison sentence for former president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, put on trial for allegedly abusing his power and amassing a huge fortune.
"All the elements in the hands of the courts prove that a crime has been committed," said prosecutor Ahmed Ould Moustapha, who also called for the former leader's assets to be confiscated.
Aziz, 66, was president of Mauritania, a pivotal country between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, from 2008 to 2019.
He listened to the prosecutor's demand without flinching.
Ten other people, including two former prime ministers as well as former ministers and business men, are on trial with Aziz.
They have been accused of illicitly enriching themselves, abusing their functions and "influence peddling".
Aziz has maintained his innocence and said the trial, which began in January, is political and should be dismissed.
The prosecutor's closing arguments lasted about three hours and saw him request sentences of 10 years in prison against the two former prime ministers and two ministers, as well as the confiscation of their property.
For the other defendants, he requested five years in prison.
