Dozens injured in demonstrations rejecting constitutional amendments

Dozens of Mauritanian injured in hostile demonstrations for constitutional amendments considered by the Mauritanian parliament, when police used tear gas and batons to disperse opposition supporters who rushed to the vicinity of the national assembly to express their rejection of these amendments.

The demonstrations come in conjunction with the start of parliament, on Tuesday, voting procedures on the draft amendment to the constitution, which is rejected by the opposition and the broad sector of the educated elite. The amendments allow changing the national anthem words, the national flag and abolishing the Senate, which is the upper chamber of parliament, as well as the establishment of regional councils.

Opposition supporters gathered in areas near the National Assembly building after security forces closed all roads leading to it. Security forces dealt violently with the protesters, and threw a barrage of tear gas and used batons to force them to disperse.
The police's intervention left dozens of injuries, including head of one of the opposition parties.
Political parties condemned the attack on the peaceful protesters.
 
The areas located near the National Assembly building witnessed demonstrations in support of the authority calling for the ratification of the amendments, but without any clash between the supporters and opponents.

The only party, which rejected these amendments inside the parliament, is Reform and Development Party.
 
It is still unclear whether the amendments will be submitted to a popular referendum, or to pass through the parliament.