A mother suffers whilst her son languishes in jail

Martin Melanie, from Pascal Village, fatally wounded a shop keeper from the same district in 2003. Medical reports since, regarding Martin Melanie’s conditions, show evidence of mental disorder. Melanie has been in custody for the last three and half years.  He was charged and tried for manslaughter and is awaiting judgment in his case. He is currently being held at the Mt. Posee prison. Melanie, born on the 20th May, 1984, was only nineteen when he was incarcerated. He is now 23 yrs old. The alarming factor in all of this is that Martin Melanie is not in a fit state of mind to be detained in a prison environment. The young man is mentally disturbed and a danger to himself, but, no one is taking any notice, neither the superintendent of prison nor the commissioner of police and everyone, even the presidency have turned their backs on Melanie.

Lately, Martin has been complaining about physical abuse from prison wardens. The last time he visited court to be remanded further in custody he showed signs of abuse; he had scars in his face and on other parts of his body. He complained that he is often beaten up by certain prison guards. His mum is very upset and disturbed by these allegations of torture and mistreatment at the hands of prison guards.

The problems Martin Melanie and his mum face and seem unable to find solution to, show that our society is beyond caring. Humanity is all but dead in Seychelles; the weak can wallow away in their misery so long as it does not disturb the comfort of the rich and powerful. The irony is that Martin’s mum who seems to be suffering the most out of this situation is a great supporter of the powers that be. No amount of red dresses, skirts or flags can save her. Both of them are now confined to the dungeon of darkness and they are not even dead yet. This Mr. James Alix Michel is your Seychelles in your fourth year as Head of State.  Is that the Michelism we have been talking of late? Do you Mr. President think that this is something to be proud of? We definitely do not think so. Do something for this poor boy we beg of you!