The case of torture perpetrated by the police was the theme of the Private Notice Question this morning. Pravind Jugnauth said that there was five cases that have been reported, nine people questioned and six people arrested and suspended from duty. He also spoke about the Independent Police Complaints Commission Act. He refused Xavier-Luc Duval’s request for the establishment of a commission of inquiry. He explained that this took time and that the evidence and elements cannot be used for possible prosecution. “Even if the commission of inquiry incriminates people, the evidence collected cannot be used in prosecutions. The police will have to investigate again,” he said.
He added that the IPCC Act provides that after any investigation, the file is referred to the DPP and the evidence collected can be used for possible prosecution. “The IPCC is already investigating cases of police torture and will refer the matter to the appropriate agencies. If we establish a commission of inquiry, the IPCC will have to stop everything. It will take a long time. It is better that the IPCC continues its investigations. So, a commission of inquiry is not justified and is not necessary in this case,” he said.
Finally, the Prime Minister insisted that the irresponsible actions of a few black sheep should not tarnish the image of the entire force.
Xavier-Luc Duval then asked that the fine of Rs 150,000 for a conviction of torture be reviewed. The Prime Minister replied that any law must be reviewed from time to time and if there is a need to review this one, the government will do so.
The leader of the opposition also referred to a letter that an NGO had sent to the Prime Minister’s office about acts of torture. Pravind Jugnauth replied that the letter was addressed to the IPCC and that his office was only in copy. Secondly, he had indeed seen the letter and asked the Secretary for Home Affairs to confirm with the IPCC that it had indeed obtained the letter. Finally, he raised the matter with the Commissioner of Police, who replied that an investigation had been instituted into the matter.
To the question on the status of the investigation into the videos as well as the use of tasers, the Prime Minister stated that there were other questions to be asked about the case. “Why, in a case of police torture, do we go to the police or the IPCC? Also, why didn’t the lawman (Valayden) do anything after one month, 3 months and 2 years after handing over the flash drive? Did we have to wait for Bruneau Laurette to investigate before this case surfaced? These are aspects to be seen too,” he said.
