Bruneau Laurette has been in police custody since his arrest on November 4, 2022, and will find out if he will be released on parole this Monday. On Tuesday, February 21, Magistrate Jade Ng Chai King, had rendered her verdict on Bruneau Laurette’s parole application. The latter decided to order the provisional release of the activist. But the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) appealed the decision. Thus, the suspect has returned to detention pending the final decision of the DPP, which should be known this Monday, February 27. Although the magistrate has already imposed strict conditions for Laurette’s possible release, eyes are now on the DPP’s Office to see on what grounds they intend to challenge the activist’s release.
The representative of the DPP’s office, Ms. Manjula Bhojaruth, has requested a freeze on the judgment while giving notice of appeal. As per the law, they have seven days until Monday to file the appeal. In that case, the legal battle will then continue before the judges on appeal to the Supreme Court. But it is also possible that the DPP’s office will reverse its decision and not appeal after all. In that event, or if the appeal is rejected after being heard, Bruneau Laurette will then be released.
Freezing of accounts
It should be noted that the Financial Intelligence Unit, through its attorney Sultant Sohawon, obtained a judge’s order to freeze the bank assets and properties of Bruneau Laurette and his son Ryan Luca Laurette. Only the latter’s salaries are not affected by this decision. The companies Seraph Africa PMC Co Ltd, Garden of Hope Co Ltd and Seraphins Co Ltd as well as vehicles fall under this ruling.
