We have to stand up for our rights
by Wavel Ramkalawan
Leader of the Opposition and the SNP
October 3rd 2010 will mark 4 years since the unarmed supporters of free speech were beaten up by the SSU in front of the National Assembly. As this anniversary draws closer, every Seychellois who believes in the Fundamental Charter of Human Rights is reminded that we are being denied those enshrined rights. The presence of so many Seychellois armed police officers at La Misère, waiting to pounce on the victims of ASCON is a stark reminder that the leopard has not changed its spots and that indeed the struggle and eventual victory for democracy will come with a new government.
After the incidents of October 3rd 2006, two reports have clearly said that the Public Order Act was not in line with the Constitution. These were from the Reilly Inquiry and the Law and Order Committee. The point that was stressed upon by both reports was that the Constitution gave all citizens the right to assemble peacefully. The Public Order Act took away that right and placed it in the Commissioner of Police. Unfortunately nothing has been done to remedy the unconstitutionality of that law.
The government, under the leadership of Mr. Michel welcomed the two reports, which he himself had commissioned, and promised that the law would be amended. Recently during his meeting with EU Ambassadors and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, he gave the commitment that a new Public Order Act would be enacted.
In a case that the SNP brought before the Constitutional Court against the decision of the Police Commissioner to prevent the party from organising a public meeting at Bel Air on private property, the Attorney General agreed that the SNP had the right to assemble, and that the law would be amended. In fact the Court is waiting for the new law, or else it will give its own ruling.
But what did we hear on the SBC? We saw the Commissioner of Police citing sections of the same oppressive and unconstitutional Public Order Act as warnings to the residents of La Misère against any gathering. The following day he went further to instruct about 100 officers to arrest, use tear gas and any means, to prevent those residents from standing up for their rights in fighting for adequate compensation from ASCON. And yet we are supposed to be in a democracy with rights enshrined in a Constitution.
The recommendations of the Reilly Commission and the Law and Order Committee were to be executed, but so far nothing has been done. How can this country’s leaders continue to promise and yet not deliver? People will have to make a serious decision and make up their mind as to if we really want democracy or whether to continue with the present oppressive ways of the Parti Lepep. I know democracy will triumph.
Another very important ruling from the Court of Appeal has now been made public. This will give us another opportunity to see how sincere the Executive is when it comes to obeying orders from another branch of Government.
We have to build a new country. The time is now. Our rights will be respected when we insist on being respected by everyone.
Source: Regar 8-20-10