PRISON RIOT INQUIRY EXPOSES SHOCKING ALLEGATIONS OF STATE BRUTALITY AT MONTAGNE POSÉE

Witnesses describe tear gas, live rounds, and systematic beatings — raising urgent questions about who gave the orders

Photo By Today in Seychelles

Harrowing testimony delivered before the Commission of Inquiry into the Montagne Posée prison riot of December 5, 2024 has painted a deeply disturbing picture of what allegedly unfolded inside one of Seychelles’ most troubled institutions — and the accounts are raising serious questions about the conduct of senior prison officials and security forces.

During the commission’s second session, five witnesses testified, four in open deliberations and one in camera. What emerged was not merely a story of a prison riot, but an account of alleged excessive force, targeted reprisals, and a chilling disregard for the safety of inmates by those sworn to maintain order.

The Spark That Lit the Fire

According to former inmate Rahim Jumaye, the trouble began in the late afternoon when a heated confrontation erupted between guards and inmates near a gate, centring on inmate Stephen Mondon. The situation deteriorated rapidly in the guard room, where Jumaye alleged that a Tanzanian guard named Arikana strangled fellow inmate Rio Rath — an act he says triggered a wave of outrage among prisoners.

Inmates reportedly requested to speak directly with Commissioner of Prisons Janet Georges. That request was denied. When Georges did eventually address them by speakerphone, Jumaye described her remarks as hostile — a tone that, according to witnesses, only inflamed an already volatile situation.

“Body Bags Were Brought In”

What followed, according to multiple witnesses, was a coordinated response that many are now calling disproportionate and unlawful.

Jumaye testified that at approximately 5pm, security forces stormed in deploying tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. He alleged that officer Darious Jean shot two inmates, that officer Dacumbra stabbed him in the abdomen with a dagger, and that security forces arrived — chillingly — carrying body bags, which he interpreted as intent to kill.

Inmate Dario Soopramanian corroborated much of this account, testifying that he had successfully persuaded inmates to release a Tanzanian guard they had restrained — confirming no violence had occurred at that point. He claims he even requested Commissioner Georges be informed the situation was under control. Her alleged response? That inmates should be “taught a lesson.”

Soopramanian further alleged that Commissioner Georges specifically directed the army’s ‘Ibou’ team to the second floor — where he and his brother Fabio were housed — despite the unrest originating on the first floor. His brother Fabio was shot in the leg. Elderly inmate Francis Ernesta was severely beaten, allegedly mistaken for another prisoner.

Naked, Beaten, Belongings Destroyed

Remandee Mervin Pierre testified that large amounts of tear gas were deployed and shots fired indiscriminately, followed by what he described as systematic humiliation. Inmate Yannique Bonne, a former army officer himself, confirmed the sequence of events and suffered a broken arm. Notably, Bonne pointed out that members of the ‘Ibou’ team wore body cameras during the operation — raising the question of why that footage has not been made public.

All witnesses denied that any guards were kidnapped, describing the claim as a pretext that justified the assault.

The picture that emerges is one of an institution under pressure, managed by officials who may have chosen punishment over de-escalation on a night that left inmates beaten, shot, and stripped of their dignity.

The commission continues. Seychelles deserves answers.