Supreme Court Lifts Prohibited Immigrant Status of Journalist Vel Moonien
VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Supreme Court on Monday issued an interim order lifting the prohibited immigrant status of Mauritian journalist Vel Moonien. The order was made when the case was mentioned by Judge Brassel Adeline, and lifts Mr Moonien’s prohibited immigrant status pending the final determination of his judicial review petition, which is before the Supreme Court.
According to his counsel, Frank Ally, the order was issued after the Attorney General, appearing for the immigration authorities and himself, informed the court he would not oppose the interim relief that Mr Moonien has applied for in his petition. The development marks a significant step in a case that has drawn attention from media and civil society groups in Seychelles.
The Media Association Seychelles has welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a positive step for press freedom and the rights of journalists working in the country. The Association noted that the lifting of the prohibited immigrant status allows Mr Moonien to remain in the country while the substantive judicial review is determined.
The matter will return to court for the substantive hearing of the judicial review petition, at which point the Supreme Court will consider the legality of the immigration decision and the wider implications for the treatment of foreign journalists working in Seychelles. The case is being closely watched as a test of the country’s commitments to freedom of expression and due process.
