20100111

NOUAKCHOTT, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Mauritania is launching a large-scale media campaign against the dangers of terrorism and extremism, according to the local press agency ANI.

Live debates are being broadcast by the state television and radio and supported by contributions from ulemas (Islamic scholars), researchers and psychologists to explain the reasons which drive some "youths to get attracted" to terrorism.

In broadcasts, panelists explain the concept of Jihad (holy war)which has on several occasions been misinterpreted by the fundamentalists, the banning of shedding of other people's blood by the sharia (the Islamic law), as well as the sacrilegious acts which include attacks against any non-Muslim on the Muslim soil.

In reaction to this campaign, some jailed extremist activists have sent a statement to ANI from prison, praising the ulemas. They said they have understood certain concepts "which they previously did not understand."

Observers see the statement as a sign of true beginning of dialogue between the country's security authorities and the "jihadist" groups who have more than 60 being held in Nouakchott prisons.

The campaign comes after a symposium ended on Friday on ways to deal with religious extremism.