A Commission of Inquiry into the December 5, 2024 riot at Montagne Posée prison has begun hearing testimony that exposes serious systemic weaknesses in Seychelles’ correctional facilities.
The commission, chaired by Justice Alfred Mavedzenge and including Judge Melchior Vidot and former Commissioner of Prisons Vic Tirant, commenced its first session on May 4, 2026 at the prison itself.
Two inmates provided harrowing accounts of the incident. Steven Hoareau, a 26-year-old from Praslin, described witnessing what he alleged was excessive force by prison officers, including foreign personnel. He testified that tear gas was deployed into cell blocks and that inmates were subjected to physical abuse even after surrendering.
Hoareau claimed he saw injuries to fellow inmates and alleged that military units entered the facility with firearms. He stated that food was withheld until the following day.
A second witness, 24-year-old Zargie Burka, who was scheduled for release on the day of the riot, described the chaos and confusion, though he had limited direct knowledge of events as he was quickly moved to a visitors’ room for safety.
The inquiry continues as authorities seek to understand what triggered the violence and how the response was managed.
