Leaders and supporters of the Seychelles National Party (SNP) gathered at the precinct of the National Assembly at 10 o’clock in the morning on 3rd October to take part in a short vigil to mark the moment one year ago when the police charged them using batons, tear gas and rubber bullets while they had peacefully gathered to sign a petition.
The police attack, which was unprovoked, was especially severe on the leader of SNP, the Honourable Wavel Ramkalawan, as well as on Jean Francois Ferari, who has since been elected to the national Assembly, causing them to be hospitalized. This year, once again the same group of so-called riot police replete with the same offensive riot gears gathered on the other side of the building housing the National Assembly in what was considered to be an attempt at intimidating the SNP supporters.
The vigil included a minute’s silence to mark the moment when the assault started. Afterwards, the group choreographed the standard SNP slogan, “Nou Pa Pou Zanmen Les Tonbe!” before quietly dispersing. It remains to be seen exactly what the police would have done if the event had lasted more than just a few minutes. By coincidence this year, President Michel was again flying back from
But one patriotic Seychellois went early to make his own private protest at the infamous spot on the steps of the National Assembly to mark the occasion. He lit a candle and left it there, to make his point.
