Madam Speaker, I wish to state very clearly that I strongly condemn any acts of assault, intimidation or molestation against Police Officers and other public officers who are carrying out their duties. Government will not condone any such behaviour and will continue to ensure that firm action is taken against all such offenders. These men and women are in the front line, ensuring public security. Any violence against them is not only an attack on individuals, but it is also an attack on the very fabric of our society. In fact, under Section 159 of the Criminal Code the offence of “Assault upon agent of civil or military authorities”, including Police Officers, acting in the discharge of their duties, is liable to a fine not exceeding Rs25,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years. Under the Public Officers’ Protection Act, any person who resists, opposes, molests or obstructs a public officer in the performance of his duty, commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding Rs200,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years. As regards part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that for the period 01 January 2024 to 19 March 2026, a total of 247 persons have been arrested for the offence of “Assault upon agent of civil or military authorities”. Out of these, 27 persons have been convicted as at date. With regard to cases of molesting Police Officers, for the same period, I am informed that 144 persons have been charged, out of whom, 12 have been convicted as at date. As regards part (b) of the question, I am informed that several measures to address and prevent assaults on and molesting of Police Officers in the discharge of their duties have been put in place by the Police and they are as follows – (i) Police Officers are provided with continuous training in safety and self-defence, including the use of appropriate restraint techniques and equipment, so as to enable them to respond effectively to potentially violent situations while minimising risks to themselves and to the public; (ii) Police interventions, particularly in identified hot spots and during large public gatherings, are carried out with the support of specialised units, including the Emergency Response Service and the Divisional Support Unit, to ensure adequate backup and rapid response capability; (iii) the Police are also making enhanced use of technology, including the Safe City camera system, for a more effective operation planning and action; (iv) community sensitisation initiatives are conducted through the Crime Prevention Unit and Community Policing programmes to raise awareness on the role of the Police but more importantly, on the legal consequences of assaulting or obstructing Police Officers. Madam Speaker, as I have already informed the House, Police will use body-worn cameras by the end of March and will introduce the use of tasers. These measures will contribute to deter acts of aggression against Police Officers. Madam Speaker, I have to make it very clear that we cannot and will not tolerate any assault on any Police Officer. People must learn to respect the uniform. In view of this, my Government intends to review the penalties, higher in the Police and Criminal Justice Bill which we will be bringing to Parliament shortly.

Bravo, PM!

Yes, Dr. Aumeer?

Thank you, hon. Prime Minister. Thank you, Madam Speaker. In an attempt for severe deterrent action, when we look at the number of cases – 247 and 144, will the hon. Prime Minister consider in the setup of the Police Criminal Bill which is coming further, that the harshest deterrent factor would be not to allow bail to any of those causing physical abuse or molesting, as evidenced in Safe City cameras or body-worn cameras, which will come in effect at the end of March? These people should not have bail. They should not be on our streets.

Unfortunately, I cannot say that because it will depend on the court. The court will look at the case individually, each case on its own merit and then decide whether bail should be given or not.

Séparation des pouvoirs. Yes, Mr Beechook?

Merci, Madame la présidente. Considering the prominence of social media, will the hon. Prime Minister also consider to tighten the rules and also punish those who record and broadcast the videos of verbal and physical aggression towards our Police Officers, which have unfortunately, contributed to trivialise violence against our Police Officers?

I totally agree with the hon. Member and we are, in fact, in the process of having a Government-to-Government Agreement with the Government of India, in fact, to look at all these things that are happening here. We have recently seen cases and we will tighten the law on this.

Okay, yes, hon. A. Duval.

May I ask the hon. Prime Minister, in fact, I am reiterating…

You have asked before, yes.

…a question that whether he will consider to have specialised units like the SSU etc., in present with normal Police Officers who conduct road blocks, stopping of vehicles and contraventions etc., because we have seen – yesterday I think or the day before – there was an incident in Port Louis where a Police Officer was taken to task by a group of persons after having booked someone? So, whether he will consider giving instructions to the Commissioner of Police…

Do not repeat! Do not repeat! Yes?

…so that Police Officers conducting road blocks have enough support with those specialised units?

Specialised.

I will pass on the information to the Commissioner of Police. I cannot direct him how to operate his Police Force but I can give him that information.

Good! Next question, Mr Beechook. Yes! MAURITIAN ECONOMY – MOODY’S RATING – COMPREHENSIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENT