Alliance of Change Promises Legislation to Ban Private Phone Tapping

During a press conference held on Saturday, October 26, the leader of the Alliance du Changement, Navin Ramgoolam, announced that if his party wins the legislative elections on November 10, he will introduce a law prohibiting private phone tapping. This legislation would only allow for such interception in cases deemed necessary for state security, such as combating drug trafficking and terrorism.

“I am making a commitment that if I am elected, I will enact an Interception of Communication Bill to ensure that no Prime Minister can eavesdrop on private conversations,” Ramgoolam stated.

In the wake of the recent “Missie Moustass Leaks” scandal, Ramgoolam expressed his outrage at the continued presence of Anil Kumar Dip in the position of police commissioner, implying a lack of accountability.

“I find it shocking that the police commissioner is still in place, as if nothing has happened. I believe Pravind Jugnauth is incapable of taking action,” he criticized.

Ramgoolam emphasized that it is not the Prime Minister’s role to authorize wiretapping but rather that of a judge.

He also highlighted that during his tenure as Prime Minister for fourteen years, there were no violations of citizens’ privacy.

“Was there ever a complaint made about such invasions during my time? Never,” he asserted.

He recounted that upon assuming office in 1995, he became aware of the existence of wiretapping systems and subsequently instructed officials from the Central Barracks, the National Intelligence Unit (NIU), and Mauritius Telecom to cease these activities.

However, following the escape of Rajen Sabapathee in 1999, he felt compelled to acquire listening devices strictly for state security purposes.

“I accepted this, but only in extreme cases. After that, I ordered that it never happen again,” he clarified.

Ramgoolam stated that he never authorized the tapping of his political opponents’ phones, stressing the importance of safeguarding citizens’ privacy.

Moreover, he commended the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for initiating a judicial investigation into the death of Jacquelin Steeve Juliette, a case set to be heard in the District Court of Pamplemousses on Monday, October 28, at 1:30 PM.

Paul Bérenger, the leader of the Mouvement Militant Mahométan (MMM), also praised the DPP for fulfilling his constitutional duty to uncover the truth, wishing him the best of luck.

Bérenger expressed shock at the police commissioner’s continued employment, stating that the “Moustass Leaks” exemplify a violation of democracy.

“Is Pravind Jugnauth really promising a commission of inquiry regarding the leaks? We will take legal actions against these phone taps once we are in power,” he declared.

Ashok Subron pointed out that these leaks reveal not only the deterioration of certain institutions but also the moral decay of those in leadership roles.

He described the situation as a snapshot of the state the ruling party, the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), has reached, accusing them of corrupting institutions.

He further criticized the proposal for a commission of inquiry, calling it a mere “face-saving device.”

“This situation confirms the existence of wiretapping systems. The main culprit is Pravind Jugnauth, the head of the government.

If these institutions have used wiretaps on Mauritians, then Pravind Jugnauth is guilty of failing to protect the citizens and has betrayed them,” he asserted.

The Alliance du Changement is set to present its electoral manifesto on Tuesday, November 29, at 11 AM at the Hennessy Park Hotel in Ébène.

Ramgoolam also announced a closing meeting for the Alliance du Changement scheduled for Sunday, November 3, in Port-Louis.

Source: Defi Media