Ombudsman and SHRC Launch Independent Investigation into Montagne Posée Prison Incident
VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Ombudsman and the Seychelles Human Rights Commission (SHRC) yesterday issued a joint press statement to announce the formal initiation of a comprehensive, independent, and impartial investigation into the incident at Montagne Posée Prison on December 5, 2024. ‘After providing public authorities with a three-month period to complete their investigations, our institutions have completed all necessary preparatory measures for this complex investigation,’ read the statement, adding that this approach is intended to ‘ensure the integrity, transparency, and effectiveness of the process’.
According to the statement, during the preparatory phase, the two institutions took key actions to lay a strong foundation for the investigation. These included resource mobilisation, specialised training for investigative teams and the development of institution-specific procedures aligned with their mandates and international best practices. A Joint Investigation Protocol and Procedures were also drafted and issued on March 10, 2025, to ensure cross-institutional collaboration and adherence to international standards of impartiality and fairness.
A comprehensive investigation plan was established, focusing on both the specific incident and potential underlying systemic issues, with clear phases and methodologies in place. The investigation will proceed through a structured series of phases designed to ensure rigour, accountability, and inclusivity. ‘The complexity of the incident encompasses multifaceted stakeholder engagement, a substantial volume of evidence, and possible systemic implications. As a result, the investigative timeline is estimated to last between six and nine months,’ the joint statement said. The two institutions said they will not conduct media interviews relating to the ongoing joint investigation.
