Everyone was shocked by the latest case of police brutality. Many associations have joined forces against the violence of police officers in the Jacques Achille affair.They all agree that such cases are becoming too frequent.

Police officers are supposed to make citizens abide by the law. However, some of them see their uniform more as a sign of superiority than a symbol of authority. Week-End Scope reporter Jacques Achille has accused four policemen of verbal and physical abuse while he was on duty. His only offence, he says, is? being a journalist. Even if violent policemen are a minority, public perception is that they act in all impunity.

Many associations have taken a stand. The Southern Africa Human Rights NGO Network has pointed out that a culture of police brutality seems to prevail in Mauritius. Amnesty International has called for an ?independent investigation?. The Prime Minister has advised Jacques Achille to leave the matter to the National Commission of Human Rights.

The Diocese of Port-Louis Justice and Peace Commission has suggested that the ?Police Complaints Bureau be an independent entity in order to be objective in their investigations on the police when needed?. The Commission is going to publish an informative document on citizens? rights to discourage police brutality. It will be distributed to the whole population.

The Association of Social Workers of Mauritius (ATSM) has also reacted strongly to this alleged aggression. Its president, Ally Lazer, referred to the ?culture of violence? adding: ?Too many citizens have died in cells. We remain perplexed by the number of complaints regarding police brutality?.

The Police Complaints Investigation Bureau received some 400 mixed complaints of physical and verbal violence in 2003.There are already some 40 complaints for the first 6 weeks of the year. Disciplinary sanctions exist but the public is unaware of them and it seems that justice?is not seen to be done?.

This is why law-abiding citizens are becoming more and more suspicious of the police, supposed to be responsible for their security. It is thus urgent that Jacques Achille's case be given due attention to restore the trust of the population in the police force.