The Commissioner for Women’s’ Affairs and others, Rose Marie Franchette Gaspard Pierre Louis has firmly condemned the dirty sex affair which has been the talk of the town in Rodrigues since last week. A sordid affair where children are being sexually abused, of pedopornography, of sexual intercourse with minors under sixteen years, and prostitution, among others. It was during a press conference held on the 2nd of August in Malabar, in collaboration with several departments of the police, in the presence of the ‘Divisional Commander’, the ‘Superintendent of Police’ Russeeawon.
Right from the start, Rose Marie Franchette Gaspard Pierre Louis stated that she firmly condemns the actions of these adults who sexually exploited children and teenagers. « What has been happening lately is a very worrying situation. Mainly because of the bad use of the internet and social networks, where shocking and degrading pictures against women are posted, showing Rodriguan teenagers and women in inappropriate postures », she said. She added that it is very important to raise the attention of the population against bad practices which undermine the integrity and dignity of teenagers and women in Rodrigues and which may cause irreversible psychological problems to children and all victims concerned. « I must also point out that we spared no efforts so that Rodrigues could be provided with a good internet access which should be used for the well-being of everyone and for Rodrigues itself. It is not acceptable that social networks be used to harm or exploit or tarnish the reputation of others », she said. According to her, even if it is true that in some countries, namely in Mauritius where there is a misuse of the internet, same should not be done in Rodrigues. She invited the population to share with the police whatever information they may have in order to stop these bad practices. Rose Marie Franchette Gaspard Pierre Louis also urges parents to be more attentive concerning their children making use of the internet, in order to avoid dramatic situations which may affect their education as well as the rest of their lives.
The Chief of police gave some information about the police enquiry that is actually ongoing. He said that the police is very much concerned about this matter. « Further to information gathered by the CID in Rodrigues under the supervision of Sub Inspector Patrick Potage and Police Sergent Lisette, we have shed light a network which has been operating since some times and which is involved in several sexual offences against minors. Several persons have been arrested and we are taking this issue very seriously. Provisional charges have been lodged against the accused and the enquiry is still ongoing », he explained. He also said that at this stage, nobody can say when the enquiry will end as many people are involved. He wants all those who have any information to communicate same anonymously to the police. He also urges the population to make good use of the social networks, as according to law, social networks cannot be used for illegal purposes. He stated that five suspects have been arrested up to now, but that there are several dozens of victims who still have to be identified. The number may increase as the investigation progresses. He also indicated that there were victims of less than ten years of age involved in this case. The victims are taken care of on a case-to-case basis. Other provisional charges may be lodged against the accused in the coming days.
