Prisoners being detained at the prison on Marie Louise
Island are claiming that they are being threatened by the authorities on the
island.
This week, LSH got a call from a family member of one of the
detainees saying her brother has alleged to her that he had been threatened with
a pistol.
“My brother is fearful of his life and so am I”, explained
the sister.
According to the sister, the issue got out of hand after her
brother had inquired about the fish they are being fed because of the dead fish
phenomenon currently facing the country. In a letter sent earlier this year to
LSH, prisoners complained about their diet, which composed mainly of fish and conserved
food.
“My brother has made his mistake and is doing his time, but
I don’t see why the authorities at the prison should use their pistols to
threaten his life.”
The sister told LSH that she has called the office of the
Minister of Internal Affairs, Charles Bastienne, to report the incident. This
was on Tuesday and she said she spoke to the secretary.
LSH has also learnt that this incident is not an isolated
case and that many other prisoners are being threatened with arms.
The prisoners on Marie Louise have also complained about
many issues from a lack of health officers on the island, potable water and their
diet.
Prisoners on Marie Louise can only see their relatives twice
a year. They are brought down to Mahé by plane.
Since its creation in 2012, the Marie Louise prison has had
two heads as the first one, Ronald Ernesta, resigned earlier this year. He has
been replaced by Felix Flore.
LSH sent an email to the Personal Assistant of the Minister
for Internal Affairs in which Miss Beryl Pillay replied that the “content is well
noted” and she “will bring the matter to the attention of Minister Bastienne
and will revert in due course.”
Source: Le Seychellois Hebdo
