Security forces used tear gas to break up an anti-coup protest

On 5 October 2008 Mauritanian security forces used tear gas to break up an anti-coup protest. The National Front for the Defense of Democracy called for the protest although the military junta that recently took power has banned demonstrations. Several dozen people joined the protest in Nouakchott, chanting slogans in support of the recently ousted president, who remains under house arrest. Several participants were injured when police officers intervened to break up the rally. Demonstrators stated that leaders of the anti-coup groups will assemble on 6 October between the hours of 1600 and 1900 UTC at 12 locations to speak about the current situation