‘New Democrats’ Denounce Fabricated Videos Against Navin Ramgoolam

During a press conference yesterday, the Legal Panel of the New Democrats (ND) discussed several pressing topics, including the Political Party Financing Bill, provisional charges, law and order, and Air Mauritius.

One of the panellists, Rouben Mooroongapillay, revealed that he has information suggesting that “false videos” were created in South Africa to harm Navin Ramgoolam.

The videos, allegedly worth Rs 3 million, are said to be part of a criminal conspiracy.

Mooroongapillay also touched on the death of Soopramanien Kistnen, whose death was initially attributed to suicide by the police.

He questioned whether the same police could conduct an investigation into the Constituency Clerk’s case.

Regarding the complex situation at Air Mauritius, Mooroongapillay blamed Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth for appointing incompetent individuals to head the national airline.

He pointed out that the conflict between Ken Arian, CEO of Airport Holdings Ltd, and Charles Quartier, CEO of Air Mauritius, datds back to when both men were members of the Outsourcing and Telecommunications Association of Mauritius.

Meanwhile, Priya Balgobin emphasized that her party is not against the Political Party Financing Bill, but rather aiming to ensure it is used effectively.

She highlighted several shortcomings in the proposed law, including its failure to address foreign funding for political parties.

“This means that the Mauritian diaspora will not be able to contribute to political parties, despite their involvement in elections,” she noted.

Balgobin also pointed out that there is no provision in the bill for one party to finance another party with more financial resources.

She drew attention to the similarities between the 2019 and 2024 proposed laws, questioning whether the leader of the opposition at the time would agree with the current version. She was referring to Xavier-Luc Duval.

Lastly, Shaffick Chuttur focused on provisional charges, which he believed are being used as a tool against political opponents.

“The police cannot arrest people based on allegations alone,” he said. “Often, they admit that the orders come from above.” He therefore advocated for a review of this system.

The ND Legal Panel’s discussion basically highlighted various concerns and controversies affecting Mauritian society and politics.

Source: l’Express