The PMSD Denounces a Culture of Harassment in Parliament
The PMSD has condemned a culture of harassment in Parliament. In their first press conference since the November 2024 elections, the focus was on an altercation between Minister Shakeel Mohamed and MP Adrien Duval. The leaders criticized the decline in decorum and the perceived biased management of discussions in the assembly.
During the press conference on Saturday, November 29, PMSD Secretary General Mamad Khodabocus stated that the violence from the incident that occurred on November 25 at the National Assembly has shocked many Mauritians. He highlighted the reactions on social media and calls condemning the "unprovoked" incident. According to him, the question that sparked the incident was not even directed at the minister, who allegedly responded with, "it's a battle not meant for him."
While the PMSD has accepted Shakeel Mohamed's apologies, several questions linger, particularly regarding the reasons behind such a vehement reaction. He mentioned a possible frustration stemming from the recent political climate. "We don’t understand what happened, but we excuse him for what he did," he stated, while noting that the issue of parliamentary harassment is not new.
Khodabocus also criticized the Speaker for failing to maintain order or protect Adrien Duval, suggesting that her attitude is becoming similar to that of her predecessor, Sooroojdev Phokeer.
Olivier Barbe expressed gratitude to the public and political parties for their support of Adrien Duval, labeling the incident as "barbaric." He denounced a strategy aimed at intimidating the opposition and lamented the lack of explanations for the resumption of the session.
PMSD President Aurore Perraud also condemned the "bullying culture" that she believes has taken root in Parliament. She deemed it inconsistent for a government to claim to combat harassment while some MPs do not set the expected example.
Patrice Armance reminded that MPs are representatives of the people. He criticized Minister Shakeel Mohamed for his change in attitude since his opposition days, noting that frustration has developed within the government. He hopes that future parliamentary sessions will take place in a more peaceful atmosphere.
