New videos keep circulating and evidence of police brutality and torture of detainees is being highlighted on social networks. Voices are being heard everywhere as well as the demands for sanctions against the police. And the PTr did not fail to comment on this news at a press conference on Friday focusing on the subject. Dr. Navin Ramgoolam says that he does not have enough adjectives to describe such acts, and attributes it to the effects of the politicization of institutions under the MSM’s government.
Reminder that the Constitution is the Supreme Law
The Labour Party leader said he was not only outraged but also disgusted by such images: “I was shocked and saddened by such barbaric acts by police officers, who engage in such illegal acts. It is revolting and repulsive. We call for very severe sanctions against these police officers and we must be uncompromising. I am shocked and saddened for my country because when we fought for Independence, this is not what SSR fought for, not for such a Mauritius.” He recalled that our laws and the Constitution which is “the Supreme Law” has a whole chapter on human rights, which all institutions must obey. “There is more than one chapter in the Constitution dedicated to human rights. For example, in Section 7, more specifically part 11, it focuses on protection against acts of torture, inhuman and degrading acts against a citizen… We have signed several international treaties and conventions, such as a convention with the United Nations on human rights. Furthermore, in the Criminal Code, sections 67 to 78, these acts are punishable up to 10 years in prison. It seems that all this doesn’t matter anymore, because some people believe that they are politically protected, with the attitude of the drug lords of the past that they control the government“, making a comparison between the MSM of the past and the present.
Politicisation of institutions
He also addressed the issue of the politicization of all our institutions. In his speech, Dr. Navin Ramgoolam cited only the Judiciary as not being under the control of government politicians and acting independently and within the law. “Since 2014, we have witnessed a decline in our institutions. The MSM has gangrened our institutions, they have politicized everything, except the judiciary. Pravind Jugnauth wants to make political capital out of the recent promotion of police officers, but a promotion is not given by a PM but the Discipline Forces Service Commission and the Police Commissioner. He also wants to politicize this exercise. Besides, this exercise was not conducted in a meritocratic manner,” he said.
The CP is a constitutional position!
He took the opportunity to recall that the post of Commissioner of Police is a constitutional post, unlike in other countries, because at that time, the minority was afraid that the government in power would control this institution and it was the former PTr government, under Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, that made provision for this freedom. “According to Section 71 Part 3, the Prime Minister can make suggestions for decisions on Policies only and in Section 71 Part 4, it is stated that the Commissioner must be responsible for conducting the actions of the Police and must not be subject to any control by the government. So, the Police Commissioner cannot work for the Prime Minister,” he said.
He said that “among the first actions of the MSM in 2014, they put two political nominees, one as head of the Central CID and another as Secretary of Home Affairs. What followed, all Mauritians know. Personally, 11 false charges and 2 arrests, Manou Bheenick, Vikram Bhunjun, Dawood Rawat, Anil Baichoo… among other, the big heads“. He pointed out that in 9 years of MSM rule, there have been nothing but antics!
“The Minister of Interior Affairs has therefore done a cover up”
In conclusion, the Red Leader said that the government must ensure that this is a State of Law and not a State of ‘Vagabonds’. He mentioned that “if the PM says he is aware of everything from the Opposition’s side, he must be aware of everything that happens in those institutions under his control. So, as Home Affairs Minister, Pravind Jugnauth has done a Cover Up. He must resign. Pravind Jugnauth cannot govern ».
Commission of Inquiry not advisable
Regarding a Commission of Inquiry, Navin Ramgoolam said he did not agree because it would take another three or four years. These people have to be tried in 6 months at the most. The DPP must conduct a judicial enquiry. There are too many grey areas. The sanctions must be exemplary. “We must be uncompromising. There are too many consequences for our international reputation.” Navin Ramgoolam recalled that the vast majority of police officers respect the law and they cannot all be lumped together. But he is of the opinion that the reform in the police force must be repeated.
50 persons limit disputed
As replies to the questions of the press, he also suggested that “we cannot let the country sink because of the 50-person limit. The PTr has to do my executive and there are more than 50 people. We have to act quickly. We need a total break with the current system, as following the same system will give the same results. The PTr is very conscious of its responsibility and its historic role in restoring Law and Order in the country and rebuilding the country’s reputation” he concluded.
