The Mauritius Police Force, through the Casernes centrales, has responded to statements made by former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth regarding an ongoing investigation into alleged phone tapping. The investigation concerns the acquisition and use of equipment and systems for mass data interception and surveillance during Jugnauth's tenure as Prime Minister. The police have provided written details to Jugnauth and his legal team, outlining the alleged offenses and evidence.
According to the Casernes centrales, the documents provided to Jugnauth contain specific details about the period in question, the equipment and systems involved, and the factual elements supporting his alleged involvement. The police have also offered to submit additional evidence collected during the investigation to allow Jugnauth to respond. This clarification comes after Jugnauth's recent appearance at the Casernes centrales, where he refused to answer questions, citing insufficient information.
Pravind Jugnauth had previously been summoned for questioning on September 17, but he declined to respond, stating that there was not enough information to proceed. The interrogation was postponed due to the absence of one of his lawyers. The police have emphasized that Jugnauth, like any citizen suspected of a crime, enjoys the same rights and that investigators must have reasonable grounds for suspicion before questioning.
The investigation, considered sensitive, is being led by a Special Team from the Police Headquarters/CCID. ACP Lilram Deal, a former head of the Counter Terrorism Unit, has already been provisionally charged under the Official Secrets Act. The police have stressed that they are not required to convince the suspect of the validity of their suspicions before questioning.
In response to the police's statements, Pravind Jugnauth maintains that the Central CID has not disclosed all the facts and circumstances supporting their claims against him. He has chosen not to engage in a legal debate with the police at this stage. The case has garnered significant attention, given Jugnauth's stature as a former Prime Minister.
The police's move to provide detailed information to Jugnauth and his team appears to be an effort to address concerns about transparency in the investigation. The Casernes centrales have reiterated that the investigation is ongoing and that they will follow due process in handling the case.
As the investigation continues, Pravind Jugnauth's actions and the police's response will likely remain under scrutiny. The case involves allegations of significant breaches of privacy and abuse of power, making it a critical issue for Mauritius's law enforcement and governance.
Key points
- The Mauritius police have provided detailed information to former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth regarding an investigation into alleged phone tapping during his tenure.
- Jugnauth has refused to answer questions, citing insufficient information, despite the police's efforts to provide him with details about the case.
- The investigation is being led by a Special Team from the Police Headquarters/CCID and involves allegations of mass data interception and surveillance.
