The resistance is organizing to challenge the new proposed amendments to the IBA Act. Last Friday, the Citizens’ and Trade Union Platform organized a symbolic demonstration held this noon, Friday 26 November, in front of the National Assembly. These members believe that these amendments will muzzle private radio stations and that they undermine freedom of expression.
The IBA Amendment Bill which was debated in the National Assembly last Friday is likely to be voted on Tuesday.
Neena Ramdenee of the MP believes that the 26th was a black Friday for democracy. “We appeal to the people to join this protest movement, because this bill is a disguised way to muzzle our freedom of expression,” said Rama Valayden who was present and asked the people to join this fight. Even Narendranath Gopee, president of the Federation of Civil Service and Other Unions joined the demonstration and said that “this is an attempt by the government to silence the miseries of the people”. Dev Sunnasy, from 100% Citoyen, thinks that it is necessary to “break the sleep of Mauritians”. “It is important that we all feel concerned.
To this end, Dev Sunnasy said that a platform will be set up to discuss the way forward, and that a rally will also be organized. For Jean Claude Barbier, from the MP, these amendments confirm that this government has taken a step forward.
Several organizations, including representatives of NGOs, trade unions, political parties from the parliamentary and extra-parliamentary opposition, the Avengers, and others have joined together in a new platform, Platform for Freedom of Expression (PLE), to call on the government to withdraw the proposed amendments to the Constitution.
The platform met for the first time on Saturday morning where several common actions were communicated so a big rally planned for next Friday in Port Louis and this Monday, November 29, a vigil will be organized where several people will be present, but as the organizers point out it is necessary to respect the health protocols.
Osman Mahomed and Saumtally represented the Labour Party today.
