Akshaye Boodhun, an 18-year-old student from Camp-Diable, has been released on bail after being charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) for failing to report an act of terrorism. Boodhun is accused of creating a chat group called Burning Paradise after a shooting on October 9 that gravely wounded Elodie Thomas at Camp-Levieux. The magistrate set a steep price for his freedom, including four sureties, a Rs 500,000 recognisance, daily police reporting, and a nightly curfew.
Boodhun claims he opened the group in anger to share information and denies inciting anyone. His case has become a contentious issue, with Prime Minister Ramgoolam promising to arrest everyone behind recent violence and a fresh curfew amendment now in law. Constitutional lawyer Me Parvez Dookhy warned that an electoral majority grants political legitimacy, not unlimited legal sovereignty. Former magistrate Me Noren Seeburn called it an elective dictatorship.
A suspended police officer, Neeraj Pagoo, 35, of Rose-Belle, has been denied bail over an alleged plot to import more than Rs 61 million of drugs from France. The Bail and Remand Court turned down bail, citing risks of flight, witness tampering, and a repeat offence. Pagoo is accused of conspiring with a French national to run the haul through the airport in March.
The Mauritian government has approved regulations capping imported used cars at an age of 18 months to four years from first registration. The move aims to prevent the island from becoming a dumping ground for worn-out vehicles. Additionally, vehicles sent abroad briefly for repairs no longer need a permit to come home, provided the original chassis stays and the Mauritius Revenue Authority signs off.
A lawyer, Me Rama Valayden, has asked Prime Minister Ramgoolam to guarantee that Monowara Begum, a foreign national facing removal, can give evidence before she boards any plane out. The lawyer argues that sending her away first would mean that whatever she knows would leave with her. Meanwhile, Luxshmee Ramdhun-Bundhun of the Hindu House has urged the Select Committee to consider ancestral languages in the debate on using Kreol morisien in Parliament.
In other news, the main reservoir in Mare-aux-Vacoas may slip to 20% by November, prompting the state to rush more boreholes into service. Arla pudding has been recalled over a risk of glass fragments, and a caterer has been arrested over a Rs 425,000 wedding theft. Namibia has resumed beef imports to Mauritius after a month-long ban due to foot and mouth fears.
A 108-foot Hanuman statue is planned for Ganga Talao, with Prime Minister Ramgoolam unveiling the model. The project is part of a larger development plan for the area. Globally, Egypt's parliament has approved military support for Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks escalate in the Red Sea region. In Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has won a fourth term as president, with 52% of the vote, while his rival, Flavio Bolsonaro, has demanded a rerun of the entire election.
Key points
- The case of Akshaye Boodhun will test the country's terror law and its implications on free speech and assembly.
- The Mauritian government has taken steps to address concerns over used car imports and vehicle permits.
- Global events, including the conflict in the Red Sea region and elections in Brazil, have implications for Mauritius and the wider region.
