Iranian nationals accused of human trafficking further remanded |12 October 2022

The eleven Iranian nationals on trial for human trafficking in the case involving Seychellois victim Andy Bistoquet were yesterday remanded up until October 20, when the defence is to present its case and evidence.

Defence Attorney Clifford Andre moved the Supreme Court to adjourn the trial which was set for today, on account of urgent National Assembly commitments. He noted that he is to open the defence case, whereby five of the accused are to give evidence in the box, as well as the three Seychellois prison inmates, Fabio and Dario Soopramanien, along with Gerard Bastienne, who were also implicated in the offence, and who were sentenced early last month to 30 years each for their roles.

In light of the fact that the foreign nationals were intercepted and arrested onboard a dhow as far back as November 2021, presiding Judge Chief Justice Rony Govinden warned against lengthening the case any further.

He however acceded to Mr Andre’s motion, setting the trial for the whole day on both October 20 and November 9.

Seychellois national Andy Bistoquet, who had been reported missing on November 7, 2021, returned to Seychelles after being rescued onboard the Iranian dhow, in a joint operation by the Seychelles Coast Guard and the Indian military.

As per evidence provided by the prosecution, Bistoquet was transferred over to the dhow as a drug guarantee.

Laura Pillay