VICTORIA, Seychelles — Chief Justice Rony Govinden on Tuesday afternoon granted bail to prominent businessman Mukesh Valabhji and his wife, Laura Valabhji, ending four years of pre-trial detention for the couple. The case against them and several other individuals, already on bail, concerns charges of arms and terrorism dating back to November 2021.
First offender Mukesh Valabhji and second offender Laura Valabhji were released following new medical evidence presented by their counsels Samantha Aglae and France Bonté, who argued that Mr Valabhji requires surgery that cannot be safely carried out while in custody due to hygiene and health concerns at the place of detention. A cardiology report indicated that Mr Valabhji is suffering from various medical conditions requiring specialist attention.
Conditions of bail will require the couple to surrender travel documents, report regularly to a designated police station, and abide by other restrictions set by the court. The matter will return to court for further proceedings at a later date. The release brings to a close one of the longest-running pre-trial detentions in recent Seychelles history, with the four-year period since November 2021 having drawn sustained public attention.
