In the National Assembly-VP Belmont explains build-up to repatriation of Somalis |09 September 2009

Answering a private notice question from opposition leader Wavel Ramkalawan, Mr Belmont also confirmed that the Seychelles government paid to repatriate the men because they were being detained by the local authorities and it was our responsibility to send them home after all the charges against them were dropped.

He said it was pure coincidence that the Somalis were sent home on the same day as the announcement that the three remaining Seychellois hostages were being freed by pirates. Negotiations to secure their release had been going on for some time, he added.

In his question, Mr Ramkalawan wanted Mr Belmont – who is also the Minister for Internal Affairs – to explain the circumstances surrounding the men’s release and the legal procedures that were followed.

Mr Belmont explained that since provisional charges ranging from plotting to committing piracy were brought against the Somali men at the end of May and in early June this year, the police have continued with their investigation.

This inquiry concluded that there was not enough evidence to support the charges brought against them and it was also difficult to positively identify who among them were really implicated in each charge.

As a result, the prosecution told the police there was a real possibility that there would not be enough evidence, free of any doubts, to support the charges against the Somalis.

It was then that the authorities concerned started the process to repatriate the men in accordance with international law.

On June 12, the court ordered the remand order to be removed concerning the first nine Somalis to be charged. This was done to make the repatriation process easier.

These nine Somalis were released immediately and placed in administrative custody according to immigration regulations for people to be deported because they are considered illegal immigrants.

The prosecution withdrew all charges against the remaining 14 men in the afternoon of September 2.

Following this process, all the Somalis detainees were sent back to their country as announced.

Mr Belmont said the government is satisfied with the work carried out and added that the repatriation process went well.

He noted that throughout the process, Seychelles has shown it is serious and committed when it comes to protecting its territory and abides by international justice procedures.

Mr Belmont stressed that Seychelles will intensify its efforts to get help from international forces and the cooperation of neighbouring and friendly countries to fight the threat of piracy.