Foreign Prisoners Network

01/09/2025

Foreign prisoners in Mauritius need legal protection, proper medical care, and the right to a fair trial.

If you know someone affected, or want to support the cause:
• Share verified information
• Help raise awareness
• Support independent legal defense

Visit www.foreign-prisoners.com to learn how to help.

01/09/2025

Did you know?
Foreign nationals accused of drug-related offenses in Mauritius can spend 2 to 8 years in pre-trial detention, often without a proper hearing. During this time, they remain in prison under harsh conditions, with no access to education or rehabilitation.

Legal delays and lack of transparency are common, and many families are left in the dark. Learn more and help raise awareness:

We are Foreign Prisoners Network, an organization that helps foreign prisoners who are under extreme circumstances held in pre-trial long remand in Mauritius.

26/08/2025

Abuse of Power in Mauritius: CID, ADSU, Interpol Misuse & the Corruption Crisis

London — Behind Mauritius’s polished image lies a troubling reality: entrenched corruption within the police apparatus. From the Central Investigation Department (CID) and Anti‑Drug & Smuggling Unit (ADSU) to the strategic weaponization of Interpol notices, abuse of power is undermining justice and democracy.

Corruption in CID & ADSU
• The Anti‑Drug & Smuggling Unit (ADSU) has come under scrutiny over a 2017 case involving a Rs 700,000 “reward” given to informants after seizing 135 kg of he**in hidden in imported cylinders  . This raises concerns about informal incentives corrupting investigations.
• A commission of inquiry (2015–18) exposed ADSU-linked misconduct: an influential political figure allegedly instructed an inmate to lodge false complaints against an ADSU officer, illustrating manipulation within law enforcement .
• Public trust in the police is severely eroded: while only 21% of citizens outright suspect pervasive corruption, a staggering 73% believe “some” officers engage in corrupt practices, particularly among lower-income groups (30% vs. 16%) .

Interpol Notices as Political Tools
• Though not explicitly linked to CID or ADSU, there’s longstanding concern in Mauritius and beyond about Interpol notices being misused by authorities to pursue political enemies under the guise of law enforcement .
• Lack of public transparency around such notices and their deployment heightens the risk that they may serve as instruments of political repression, eroding the credibility of both national and international justice systems.

Widespread Consequences of Corruption
• Corruption within key law enforcement bodies has broader implications: selective justice, impunity for powerful individuals, and politically tainted prosecutions.
• The continued erosion of public confidence is alarming. Citizens increasingly view the police not as neutral protectors, but as compromised actors—threatening social cohesion and rule of law.
• Notably, the reward money scandal and misuse of investigative tools reflect a culture of informal patronage compromising institutional integrity.

Mauritius stands at a crossroads. Without urgent and transparent reforms, including:
• Independent oversight over CID and ADSU,
• Full transparency regarding Interpol notices,
• Elimination of informal incentive structures like undisclosed reward payments,
• And effective accountability for corrupt officers, the nation risks sliding further into systemic corruption, political manipulation of justice, and public disillusionment.

Justice must not be for sale—and power must not shield wrongdoing. The future of Mauritius’s democracy depends on dismantling these corrupt structures and restoring rule of law.

26/08/2025

Mauritius: Systemic Abuses, Inhumane Detention, and Misuse of International Justice Mechanisms

Prepared for international monitoring bodies, NGOs, and human rights advocates
Date: August 2025

Mauritius—a nation often viewed as a stable democracy—is grappling with a deepening human rights crisis. This report consolidates growing evidence of:
• Inhumane prison conditions, especially in pre-trial detention
• Violations of international treaties including CAT and ICCPR
• Politically motivated policing and abuses of power
• Misuse of Interpol Red Notices as instruments of political persecution

These patterns erode judicial integrity, harm public confidence, and risk Mauritius’ international standing.

1. Inhumane Prison Conditions and Prolonged Pre‑Trial Detention

The Foreign Prisoners Network highlights alarmingly harsh realities, particularly for detainees—many foreigners—in pre-trial confinement:
• Up to 8 years of remand without trial, notably at the Melrose High‑Security Prison, reflect severe due process delays  .
• Foreign detainees endure no toilet paper, no clean or warm water, poor sanitation, and unsanitary handling of food—conditions described as both inhumane and risking severe health consequences .
• Religious dietary requirements are ignored—no access to Halal or Kosher food—undermining personal dignity and freedom of religion .
• There’s no daily program or educational opportunities, contributing to severe isolation, depression, and degradation of cognitive and psychological well‑being .
• Communication is severely limited. Detainees may make only four 10‑minute calls per month, often shared with lawyers, and surveillance of these calls denies privacy and undermines defense rights.

2. Statistical Context: Overcrowding & Pre‑Trial Populations

Additional statistics underscore systemic issues:
• As of August 5, 2025, Mauritius’ prison population stood at 2,866 inmates, with a high occupancy rate of approximately 117% relative to official capacity of 2,315 .
• Pre-trial detainees comprise about 43.1% of the prison population, revealing systemic delays in justice and potential overcrowding implications.

3. Political Abuse of Power and Interpol Misuse
• The Foreign Prisoners Network documents cases of extreme professional misconduct within the police, including deliberate corruption, intimidation, misuse of authority, and coercion by officers such as Sergeant Daniel Telvar—highlighting systemic malpractices that undermine fair investigation and justice .
• Investigations are marred by delays, false accusations, destruction of evidence, and harassment. One international business owner, for instance, suspected Telvar of blackmail, delaying proceedings, and abusing his position for personal gain .

These behaviors reinforce patterns of selective enforcement and deepen cynicism toward the justice system.

4. Violations of International Human Rights Treaties

Mauritius—despite being party to several international human rights instruments—fails to uphold its treaty obligations:
• Convention Against Torture (CAT): The absence of adequate facilities and respect for detainee dignity violates obligations to prevent torture and ill-treatment.
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Arbitrary pre-trial detention, denial of fair trial rights, and degrading prison conditions violate core provisions of the ICCPR.
• UN Mandela Rules: The denial of hygiene, education, and rehabilitative programming falls short of the minimum standards for humane imprisonment.z

5. Key Recommendations

For the Mauritian Government
• Immediately improve detention conditions: provide sanitation, clean and warm water, and hygienic facilities.
• Ensure timely judicial proceedings to end excessive pre-trial remand periods.
• Introduce educational and rehabilitative programs within prisons.
• Establish independent oversight to investigate police misconduct and prosecutorial biases.
• Enforce respect for religious and cultural needs, including dietary options for prisoners.

For International Bodies (UN, Amnesty, ICT Agencies)
• Deploy independent monitoring missions to assess prison conditions and trial fairness.
• Press for transparency in pre-trial delays and case handling statistics.
• Investigate allegations of Interpol misuse or police abuse and consider data access suspension for offending entities.
• Apply targeted sanctions or conditional assistance if systemic violations persist.

The evidence points to a deeply troubling reality: Mauritius is compromising on its democratic and human rights commitments through systemic delays, inhumane conditions, and selective enforcement. Immediate and transparent reforms are essential if the country is to restore rule of law, rehabilitative justice, and international credibility.

Justice must prevail—not political expediency

26/08/2025

Mauritius Faces International Outcry Over Inhumane Prisons and Abuse of Interpol Notices

London — Mauritius, long praised as a stable democracy, is facing mounting international condemnation over inhumane prison conditions, serious human rights violations, and the alleged misuse of Interpol mechanisms to silence political opponents and critics.

Human rights organizations as foreign prisoners report severe overcrowding, lack of medical care, torture allegations, and deaths in police custody. The notorious Beau Bassin Central Prison has become a symbol of neglect, with detainees enduring unsanitary conditions and systemic abuse. These practices violate Mauritius’ obligations under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Critics also warn of politically motivated law enforcement. Reports suggest police authorities are issuing false or abusive Interpol Red Notices to target dissidents, journalists, and whistleblowers. While Interpol has introduced safeguards against political misuse, Mauritius’ alleged manipulation of these systems raises growing concerns about impunity, selective justice, and erosion of the rule of law.

International bodies, including the United Nations Committee Against Torture, have urged the Mauritian government to enforce immediate reforms, guarantee independent investigations, and ensure accountability within law enforcement and judicial systems.

“Mauritius cannot hide behind its image as a democratic haven while detainees suffer, justice is politicized, and Interpol tools are weaponized,” said a human rights advocate. “Without urgent reforms, its credibility on the global stage will collapse.”

Human rights defenders are calling on the international community to increase monitoring, pressure, and sanctions if Mauritius continues to ignore treaty commitments and human rights obligations.

26/08/2025

From Power to Prison

Police Superintendent Ashik Jagai appeared before the Port Louis court today, August 14, 2025, under exceptionally high security. Clad in a helmet and bulletproof vest, he was escorted by a robust police contingent as agitated onlookers jeered his arrival. Jagai remains in custody after the Financial Crimes Commission opposed his release, and he is scheduled to return to court on August 21.

He faces three provisional charges under the “Public Official Using Office for Gratification” offense, following allegations that he authorised excessive “Reward Money” payments—one of approximately Rs 7 million in November 2022, and another of about Rs 17 million between April and September 2024—despite only Rs 292,300 being justifiable. This probe is part of a broader investigation into potentially Rs 250 million in dubious reward disbursements tied to the police force.

Meanwhile, the scandal has revealed systemic exploitation of the “Reward Money” system—originally intended to compensate informants and police officers—which has spiraled into a scheme of looting public funds, involving massive, poorly documented payouts. Investigations by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) show alarming patterns: falsified documents, large transfers, and payouts to personal accounts—such as an ACP allegedly holding over Rs 107 million in a single account.

But perhaps the most pressing question now is: What about CID Sergeant Daniel Telvar and his collegues ?from the Central CID in Port Louis. Could he, possibly together with his collegues have played a role—whether by facilitating, concealing, or benefiting from—these illicit Reward Money transactions? Or was he merely a peripheral figure, distanced from the inner workings of the unfolding fraud? If that is the case, than again, Police Officials in Mauritius shows the way from power to prison.

Telvar’s name has surfaced amid serious allegations of misconduct and abuse of power: obstructing investigations, leveraging private photos to blackmail suspects, delaying interrogations, coercing statements, misusing police vehicles for personal errands, and acting dishonestly under oath—leading to the filing of a formal criminal complaint against him.

17/08/2025

Behind Closed Doors: Sexual Exploitation of Children Allegedly Unfolds in Indian Island Mauritius Hotel!

How can a honeymoon destination can’t protect their tourists and their children?

Minors reported as victims of sexual abuse at Luxury Resort in Indian Island Mauritius. Sexual Abuse Allegations in Northern Mauritius Hotel Under Police Investigation

16/02/2025

Mauritius has long been lauded for its stability and democratic governance, but beneath this façade lies a persistent and troubling issue: systemic corruption at the highest levels. Despite periodic promises of reform, recent developments suggest that the problem is not being eradicated, but merely shifting hands. The case of Police Officer Sergeant Daniel Telvar, suspected of accepting bribes to manipulate investigations, has brought these concerns to the forefront once again.

Telvar, a key figure in the nation’s law enforcement apparatus, is alleged to have received substantial payments to influence sensitive investigations. Reports indicate that these payments may have come directly from the office of Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. While the allegations are still under scrutiny, what is most alarming is the timing of Telvar’s exposure—coinciding with the opposition’s recent struggles and political setbacks. This raises pressing questions: Is the government genuinely committed to rooting out corruption, or is it selectively wielding justice as a weapon against its political adversaries?

For years, corruption scandals have rocked Mauritius, with successive administrations accused of nepotism, bribery, and abuse of power. The country’s institutions, from law enforcement to the judiciary, have often found themselves entangled in political maneuvering, making impartial investigations a rarity rather than the norm. While past regimes have fallen amid scandal, new administrations have often continued the cycle rather than breaking it.

Sergeant Telvar’s case serves as a stark reminder that corruption remains deeply entrenched within Mauritius' political and law enforcement structures. If indeed he was accepting bribes to manipulate investigations, the implications extend far beyond his individual actions. They highlight a broader culture of impunity where those in power—regardless of political affiliation—seem able to dictate the course of justice to suit their own ends.

The concern among many Mauritians is that anti-corruption drives are not truly aimed at eradicating the problem but are instead carefully orchestrated purges to eliminate political threats. The selective nature of prosecutions and investigations only deepens public cynicism. If corruption crackdowns disproportionately target opposition figures while allies of the ruling government remain untouched, then such efforts cannot be seen as genuine reform.

Mauritians are left grappling with a fundamental question: Is this truly a turning point in the fight against corruption, or simply another reshuffling of beneficiaries within an inherently flawed system? If the country is to move forward, transparency, independent investigations, and accountability must become more than just political rhetoric. Otherwise, Mauritius risks remaining trapped in a cycle where power—not justice—determines who is held accountable.

The people of Mauritius deserve more than a never-ending game of political survival masked as reform. True progress will only come when corruption is tackled without fear or favor—when justice is applied equally, regardless of political affiliation. Until then, the battle against corruption in Mauritius remains a question not of ethics, but of power.

16/02/2025

https://www.foreign-prisoners.com/post/mauritius-corruption-crisis-a-genuine-cleanup-or-political-theater

Mauritius has long been lauded for its stability and democratic governance, but beneath this façade lies a persistent and troubling issue: systemic corruption at the highest levels. Despite periodic promises of reform, recent developments suggest that the problem is not being eradicated, but merely...

16/02/2025

How corrupt can a country like Mauritius be?
What is the connection between and ? Who paid who??

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/former-mauritius-prime-minister-detained-says-financial-crimes-commission-2025-02-16/

Former Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has been arrested and is facing money laundering charges, the state-run Financial Crimes Commission said early on Sunday.

19/01/2025

In recent months, reports have emerged highlighting the dire conditions faced by foreign prisoners in Mauritius. These individuals, who often find themselves far from their home countries, are enduring inhumane treatment that raises serious human rights concerns. As advocates for justice and human dignity, we urgently call upon Amnesty International to lend its voice and resources to support these vulnerable individuals.

The environment within Mauritian prisons is characterized by a lack of basic necessities. Prisoners are reportedly deprived of essential items such as toilet paper, which is a fundamental requirement for hygiene and dignity. This lack of basic sanitation not only affects their physical health but also contributes to a degrading living experience that violates their human rights.

Moreover, the quality of food served to prisoners is alarmingly poor. Many inmates report receiving inadequate nutrition, leaving them physically weakened and mentally distressed. A balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for maintaining health, particularly in the challenging environment of a prison where stress and uncertainty are constant.

The absence of a daily program or rehabilitative facilities exacerbates the plight of these prisoners. Without access to educational or vocational training, inmates are left without purpose or hope for the future. This lack of structure contributes to a cycle of despair, making it increasingly difficult for them to reintegrate into society, should they ever be released.

In addition, the isolation from family contacts and the restricted access to legal representation are critical issues that hinder their ability to seek justice. Families are often left in the dark about their loved ones' situations, which can cause immense emotional strain. Furthermore, the inability to easily contact a lawyer limits their capacity to defend themselves or challenge their circumstances, effectively denying them their right to a fair legal process.

Given these alarming conditions, we implore Amnesty International to take immediate action. The organization’s expertise and advocacy power are essential in shining a light on the injustices faced by foreign prisoners in Mauritius. By mobilizing resources, raising awareness, and applying pressure on the Mauritian government, Amnesty International can help advocate for the rights of these individuals.

We must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of those who find themselves in such desperate situations. Together, we can work towards ensuring that every human being, regardless of their nationality or circumstances, is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

We ask that Amnesty International prioritize this issue and provide the necessary assistance to bring about change. The time for action is now. Let us stand together to defend the rights of the most vulnerable among us.

The plight of foreign prisoners in Mauritius is a pressing human rights issue that demands immediate attention. We urge Amnesty International to step in and support these individuals in their struggle for dignity, justice, and basic human rights. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no one is left to suffer in silence.

Visit for more info our website: www.foreign-prisoners.com

19/01/2025

The situation in Melrose Prison in Mauritius raises significant and serious concerns about the treatment of foreign prisoners, travelers, many of whom may be innocent.

It is disheartening to hear about the conditions that these individuals are enduring, including lack of basic necessities, inadequate legal access, and prolonged remand periods. Such conditions not only violate international human rights treaties but also undermine the very principles of justice we uphold.

It is crucial for the Mauritian government and authorities to ensure that their legal system operates transparently and fairly. We call for immediate reforms to address corruption within the police force and to enhance the living conditions for all prisoners. Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, particularly those who are awaiting trial and have not yet been proven guilty.

We hope that through dialogue and advocacy, we can bring about necessary changes that protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or background.