Subron Challenges Charges: Calls Police Action Politically Driven & Unjust

In a case that has now spanned over a decade, Ashok Subron, spokesperson for the political movement Rezistans ek Alternativ, appeared before Magistrate Prashant Bissoon at the Port-Louis court yesterday, October 3. Subron, along with his co-defendants Devianand Narain, Serge Jauffret, and Sandiren Ramasamy, is accused of failing to comply with police directives during a demonstration advocating for a new Republic in March 2012.

The police have filed an objection to departure against Subron and his co-accused, effectively preventing them from leaving Mauritius.

The case is set to be heard on its merits on January 23, 2025.

Subron and other union representatives stand accused of not adhering to police guidelines during a march that drew approximately 800 participants aimed at raising public awareness about a proposed new Republic.

During Thursday October 3 hearing, Magistrate Bissoon repeatedly emphasized the need to expedite the resolution of this long-standing case, given the significant time that has elapsed since the events in question.

Following the court session, Subron voiced strong criticism of the police’s actions. “It’s as if we are living in ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ After 12 years, the police—led by the Commissioner of Police and taking orders from the Prime Minister—have decided to file an objection to my departure and that of my colleagues.

This is extremely serious. Mauritians need to question what is happening with our police force.

It is being manipulated for political purposes in the midst of an electoral campaign,” he stated.

Subron urged citizens to reconsider the role of the police, asserting, “The police are meant to ensure public safety, not to act as enforcers for the ruling power.

It is crucial to put an end to this situation, especially during the election season. The police must remain neutral.”

He highlighted that, up to this point, no investigation has been conducted against them regarding the alleged offenses.

“To date, the police have not taken any statements, and I have never received a summons. As soon as I announced my candidacy, I was told I had to appear in court within 24 hours or face arrest.

This is an abuse of process. A respectable police force would have dismissed this case long ago; instead, they file an objection to my departure as if we intend to flee the country.

It is time to restore the integrity of the police. We need a police force that protects the public, not one that acts as the armed wing of the current regime,” Subron concluded.

The ongoing legal proceedings raise important questions about the relationship between law enforcement and political power in Mauritius, especially as the nation approaches its electoral cycle.

Source: l’Express