Mauritanian coup trial ends with life sentences

A mass coup trial ended in the African nation of Mauritania today with four top soldiers being jailed for life.

Three main opposition leaders were acquitted, including Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidalla, a former military dictator who overthrew current President Maaoya Sid’Ahmed Ould Taya two decades ago and lost a presidential race against him in 2003.

More than 180 people have been on trial in the Sahara desert nation for involvement in three separate coup attempts over the past several years.

Others on trial, mostly low-ranking officers, received sentences ranging from one to 15 years in prison.

Those condemned to life prison terms with hard labour included former military commander Saleh Ould Hanenna.