<B>Obtaining bail ? A luxury or a right?</B>

Dr Navin Ramgoolam condemned the atrocities committed by colonial slave masters. However, a colonial mentality still persists. Even today there is denial of human rights, despite constitutional guarantees. However much the Hon Prime Minister convinces us of his profound commitment towards justice, equality and rights, we remain sceptical as what really happens in this country are miles away from what should happen! His office informed us that he has no time to receive us and is not free to take our calls. Yet other people find no difficulty in getting appointment. Section 5 (1) of the constitution says : No person shall be deprived of his personal liberty save as may be authorised by law ? In Hamuth's case, neither the Extradition Act 1970 nor any other law prohibits the release on bail of any suspect. Therefore there is a flagrant violation of the constitution. The Bail Act 1999 guarantees bail for any suspect, even for murder. Various suspects arrested during the past few weeks under varying alleged offences have all been granted bail. By comparison, the alleged offence against Hamuth is insignificant. Why such discrimination against him ? Mr Rama Valayden claims he always intervenes on humanitarian grounds, but in Hamuth's case, there are sufficient legal grounds for the Attorney General to intervene lawfully to ensure that the Constitution and the rights of an individual are respected, yet he has been surprisingly silent. Why ? A Minister of Justice is obliged to enforce the law and cannot be selective. When public institutions that are mandated to protect the law are themselves incapable of enforcing the law, what should an ordinary citizen do ?

<B> Voice of Hamuth</B>