Former Director of Public Prosecutions, Senior Counsel Satyajit Boolell, drew a full house on Friday, March 15, 2024 at the Hennessy Park Hotel for the launch of the book “Résister,” written by writer and journalist Alain Gordon-Gentil.
Speaking about the book, Boolell said he initially had “a moment of hesitation” because after a 37-year career at the Prosecution, including 13 years as DPP, he had decided to turn the page and move on.
The former DPP sees the book as a testimony to the pressures he faced, including an attempt to detain him.
“Over the months, through his questions, we discussed various topics including the role and functions of the DPP, police misconduct, the anti-DPP crusade, my aborted arrest, the DPP/CP conflict, the administration of justice, and democracy in Mauritius, among others.
Seeing the final content of the book, I realize that during these eight months of weekly interviews, I was very talkative – too much, even!” said the former DPP.
Boolell added that the decisions taken by the DPP’s office are not meant to please everyone.
Discussing the chapter on pressures, he mentioned the attempt to strip the DPP of his powers with the failed introduction of a Prosecution Commission.
He praised Xavier-Luc Duval for his boldness in preventing this move.
Xavier Duval, the Leader of the Opposition, was present at the book launch.
Boolell commended Duval for choosing to oppose the Prosecution Commission rather than being complicit.
However, he lamented that during the later episode, there was no one left to oppose the establishment of the Financial Crimes Commission, which he believes will limit the DPP’s authority in financial crimes cases.
Boolell also expressed dismay at the ongoing conflict between the Police Commissioner and the current DPP, calling it “incomprehensible.”
He sees this book as more than just a reference work, but rather a plea for Mauritians to overcome their fears and embrace the values that define them.
He urges readers to “resist” anything that threatens these values.
Source: Defi Media
