Political Activist Arrested, Faces 2 Drug-Related Charges

Political activist Ivann Bibi was taken back into police custody on Thursday 18 January after appearing in the Curepipe court over drug charges.

The police objected to his release on bail. His legal team has filed a bail application before the court. This motion will be debated on Thursday in the Curepipe court.

When asked for a reaction, Rama Valayden, one of Ivann Bibi’s lawyers, stated: “Such a decision is unjust.” The lawyer wonders: “Is it a coincidence that a search was conducted at Ivann Bibi’s residence the day after my client made a deposition against the Prime Minister?”

On Thursday afternoon, two provisional charges were filed against the activist in court, namely possession of cannabis with intent to distribute and obstruction of the police.

Police allegedly found cannabis worth Rs 3,400 at the activist’s home. This arrest comes the day after Ivann Bibi lodged a complaint against the Prime Minister for violation of the ICT Act.

This decision comes after Pravind Jugnauth’s remarks stating that the director of the Vacoas meteorological station, Ram Dhurmea, had resigned from his position – remarks refuted by the main party involved.

Source: Le Mauricien