In Port-Louis District Court yesterday, Franklin talks about his misery at Melrose prison. « They spit in my food and give me stale bread,” he laments. The case was called this evening. Mr Yatin Varma informed Magistrate Shavina Jugnauth that it was on 3 August that he obtained a response from the Reunionese authorities regarding Franklin’s conviction in absentia.
According to him, the explanations provided were vague. Mr Varma added that, according to his interpretation, the Reunion authorities had refused to reassure his client, Jean Hubert Célérine, that he would be entitled to a retrial once on Réunion island. Nor, according to Mr Varma, have they provided any clarification as to how long he must appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal in St Denis.
However, the highlight of the session was Franklin’s statement. The Rivière-Noire resident claimed that he was being tortured in Melrose prison, where he is being held. He accused prison officers of spitting in his food. He also asked to be allowed to leave his cell for at least 10 minutes a day. He argued that he lives there on a 24/7 basis. Franklin also claimed that he had eaten two days’ worth of stale bread before coming to court.
Magistrate Shavina Jugnauth asked the Escorting Officer to ensure that a prison Welfare Officer recorded all the problems raised by Jean Hubert Célérine. The case has been adjourned until 18 August.
