the incidents which occurred at the Eastern High Security Prison, in Melrose, on 17 July 2025, he will state…
(No. B/818) Mr K. Lobine (First Member for La Caverne & Phoenix) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the incidents which occurred at the Eastern High Security Prison, in Melrose, on 17 July 2025, he will state 32 whether the National Human Rights Commission has submitted to his office a report in relation thereto and, if so, indicate – (a) whether consideration will be given for the tabling thereof, and (b) the actions, if any, he proposes to take in relation thereto.
Madam Speaker, the National Human Rights Commission has already, as I am sure the hon. Member knows, submitted its report on the incidents which occurred at the Eastern High Security Prison at Melrose on 17 July 2025. As regard to part (a) of the question, I have to inform the House that Government has taken cognizance of the contents of the report, which has been made public for the first time. If you remember, in the previous government, all reports were being hidden in drawers. In line with our policy of transparency and accountability, I will table a copy of the report. Madam Speaker, I am concerned by the disturbing facts that came out of the report. As I have just stated in the House, I consider that respect for Human Rights and the application of sections 5(1) and 5(2) of the Constitution are the bedrock of any civilised society. My Government will always uphold the sanctity of human rights and dignity of all our citizens. Any trespass will not be tolerated by the Government. In regard to part (b) of the question, the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner of Prisons have been requested to take immediate actions, not only for the implementation of the measures recommended, but also the necessary disciplinary actions against the officers concerned, after consultation with the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions.
Yes, hon. Dr. Aumeer!
May I ask the hon. Prime Minister whether he would request the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner of Prisons to consider the use of full body cam by all prison officers who work at such a high security prison so that the truthful events always come to light?
It is a very good suggestion, and I will certainly. We are, in fact, looking at this. But this would probably happen at some stage. I must also tell you that I had said at a time, ‘Do not come tell me some cameras were not working. If that happens, everybody will be sacked!’ Fortunately, all cameras were working.
Alright.
Madam Speaker!
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Yes, go ahead!
Madam Speaker, I…
Question, please!
Yes. I appreciate that the report has been made public, Madam Speaker, because that was a very…
(Interruptions)
Ale, koze papa!
Let him speak, please!
(Interruptions)
An hon. Member: Tirwar? Enba latab!
I am being interrupted, Madam Speaker, when I am putting my question. We have to put questions!
Carry on! Carry on!
I said that I appreciate that the report has been made public. But, Madam Speaker, when I compare the reply to the PNQ that I put to the hon. Prime Minister on 22 July on the same issue with the report that has been made public, I note a certain number of discrepancies between the two. I mean the report and the answers that the hon. Prime Minister gave to the House.
Put your question!
Maybe he must have been provided with false information on that day.
What discrepancy? Say!
My question is direct.
Which discrepancies? You cannot just say there are discrepancies and you do not say what.
May I ask the hon. Prime Minister whether he will sack the Commissioner of Prisons?
What discrepancy?
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This is his question.
Yes, what can I say? He does not say what discrepancy! But he must realise when the…
It is what the population is asking!
…realise, unlike you! When you ask a question, I answer the question. I could have said, ‘There is going to be an inquiry.’ But I gave you whatever I had. After the inquiry, as I said, very disturbing facts came to light. After the inquiry! How can I know before?
Know what?
But how do you expect me to know before the inquiry?
On the basis of the report that you have provided.
Of the report, yes! That is what I have just said. That is why we are publishing; we have published it; we are laying it on the Table of the Assembly. We are not hiding, unlike you! When you were in government, hiding all of these reports! We did not do that.
(Interruptions)
An hon. Member: Rapor lor dializ!
Madam Speaker, I am glad the hon. Prime Minister did publish the report. That is commendable. However, the Commissioner of Prisons, soon after the incident, had reacted saying that he is proud of his officers and he is proud of the way they acted, and that he will would take full responsibility. Is the hon. Prime Minister satisfied of the stand taken by the Commissioner of Prisons soon after those incidents, and has he had any discussion with the Commissioner of Prisons with regard to that?
As I said, Madam Speaker, now, with the report out, I have asked them to have to have a full investigation. Also, they must contact the DPP. It is not for me to say that. It is for the DPP to decide what action has to be taken.
Next question, hon. Third Member for Rivière des Anguilles and Souillac!
35 ROAD RAGE INCIDENTS & VIOLENT/AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR – SAFEGUARD MEASURES