By seychellesnewsagency.com

VICTORIA: An independent Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating an incident at Montagne Posée prison in December 2024 was officially sworn in on Wednesday morning by the President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie.

Chaired by Justice Alfred Mavedzenge, the Commission’s mandate is to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents of 6 and 7 December 2024 at Montagne Posee Prison.

Justice Mavedzenge, a professor of law from Zimbabwe, stated that the Commission will hold numerous hearings to establish the truth regarding the events at Montagne Posée Prison.

“What I can say is that the Commission will work with the intention of helping the country move forward and that the hearings will be open to the public,” said Justice Mavedzenge.

The Commission’s work will aim to establish the facts, determine who is responsible and analyse the response of the authorities, in particular that of the Seychelles Prison Services, the Seychelles Police Force and the Seychelles Defence Forces. It will also establish the chain of command and identify individuals responsible for decisions taken at each stage of the incident.

Particular attention will be paid to the circumstances leading to the deaths of two detainees, Francis Ernesta and Jerry Mathiot, the injuries sustained by others, as well as the use of force.

Vested with broad investigative powers, the Commission will be able to summon witnesses and gather evidence, and submit a report within six months. It will also be required to make recommendations to improve the management of crises within prisons.

This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law.

The African Commission on Human Rights had called on the government to launch without delay a thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the events at Montagne Posee prison.