Sidi Ould Sidina, an alleged member of the terrorist group suspected to have shot dead four French tourists 24 December 2007 near the city of Aleg (some 250km south-east of Nouakchott), escaped from detention on Wednesday, Panapress reported. The suspect, believed to be in his 20s, escaped after he was questioned by the judge who is investigating the murder. Sidina reportedly diverted the attention of the police officers who were keeping watch on him by asking for permission to perform his afternoon prayer. He has since been declared wanted by the security forces. The spectacular escape of Sidina, an alleged member of the Mauritanian Salafist Movement, which is believed to have links with Al Qaida, has sparked a controversy in Nouakchott where many believe his escape is an act of conspiracy. Sidina was extradited from Guinea Bissau 12 January 2008 with Mohamed Ould Chabarnou, another suspected member of the terrorist group that carried out the attack against the French tourists.
