In a dramatic turn in Seychelles’ most politically charged trial in recent memory, Chief Justice Rony Govinden has ruled a controversial letter—allegedly penned by late President France-Albert René—inadmissible in the ongoing illegal arms case involving businessman Mukesh Valabhji.
The letter, presented by Valabhji’s defence team as pivotal evidence of authorisation for the arms cache discovered in his possession, was dismissed during a tense session at the Supreme Court yesterday morning. The Chief Justice cited “substantial forensic inconsistencies, unreliable witness testimonies, and questionable motives behind its late disclosure” as key reasons for the exclusion.
“The authenticity of the letter cannot be verified to a standard acceptable in a criminal trial of this magnitude,” said Chief Justice Govinden in open court. “Its introduction at this stage casts doubt on the integrity of the process.”
The ruling deals a major blow to Valabhji’s defence, which had placed considerable weight on the document to argue that the weapons were stored under the directive—or at least with the knowledge—of the former president, thereby framing them as state-held assets rather than illegally possessed armaments.
The letter’s appearance late in the trial also raised eyebrows, with the prosecution challenging its credibility and timing.
“This is a desperate attempt to cloud the facts,” one prosecution official stated outside court. “We have every reason to believe this document was manufactured to mislead.”
With the letter now off the table, the trial presses forward with increased intensity. The public—and the political class—remain gripped by the unfolding courtroom drama, which has implications that stretch well beyond the accused.
The Valabhji case, already steeped in allegations of corruption, national security breaches, and historical political intrigue, has now taken another unpredictable twist, and all eyes remain on the bench as the proceedings continue.
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