Lawyer Rama Valayden along with colleague Shahzaad Mungroo, the former Port Louis Lord Mayor Sheikh Mukhtar Hossenboccus (constituency clerk for Labour MP Osman Mohamed) and Noorani Aurdally (MP Eshan Juman’s constituency clerk) were arrested and taken to Police Headquarters at 2am this Monday morning, triggering shock and dismay among the population, several media reported.
They are accused of having organized and participated in what is being described as an “illegal gathering” on Sunday, in support of Palestine. L’Express reported. The lawyer – known for leading the legal case against ex-Commerce Minister Yogida Sawmynaden, was due to lodge a private prosecution against Health Minister Kailesh Jagutpal this morning over deficiencies in the management of the pandemic.
While many denounced the police’s decision to arrest the popular lawyer at his house early in the morning, Defi Media cited Valayden’s wife as denouncing the double standards. “He is not a criminal. He stood up for the Palestinian cause.” Valayden’s lawyers questioned whether the “hundreds who attended the funeral of jockey Nooresh Juglall on the same day have to worry?”
Le Mauricien reported that while MBC journalists were allowed access to Central Barracks, journalists from other media were forced to stay outside.
Social activists and political observers denounced the “totalitarian drift” of the MSM party. “The protest is a lame excuse. They wanted to arrest Valayden for some time because he has persistently been denouncing them over corruption.”
Valayden was allowed to go after seven hours of questioning. So far, no charges were held against him. During a press conference at his chambers this afternoon together with other Avengers lawyers and social activist Bruneau Laurette, Valayden announced a new protest in support of Palestine.
