Jugnauth Refuses to Cooperate With Phone-Tapping Probe, Lawyer Confirms

Former Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth is standing firm in his refusal to cooperate with the ongoing police investigation into illegal phone-tapping equipment, according to his legal representative. Jugnauth's lawyer confirmed that his client does not wish to "bring his assistance" to the inquiry — a formal legal phrase indicating that the former PM is declining to voluntarily engage with investigators looking into the alleged acquisition and use of surveillance technology. **Background: What Is This Investigation About?** The case is connected to what has become widely known in Mauritius as the "Moustass Leaks" scandal — a major political and legal controversy that erupted when recordings of what appeared to be intercepted private telephone conversations were leaked to the public ahead of the November 2024 general election. The recordings, which allegedly captured private discussions involving senior politicians, journalists, judges, and business figures, raised serious questions about whether state surveillance equipment had been used to spy on citizens. The scandal is widely believed to have contributed to the crushing electoral defeat of Jugnauth's Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) party in that election. Police have since opened a formal investigation into how such surveillance equipment was obtained, who authorised its use, and whether it was deployed unlawfully against private individuals. **Jugnauth's Position** Despite being questioned by police as part of the probe — a development reported earlier — Jugnauth is now signalling, through his lawyer, that he does not intend to actively assist the investigation going forward. This is a legally significant stance: while individuals in Mauritius are not obliged to incriminate themselves, declining to cooperate with investigators can shape the direction and pace of a case. His lawyer has not indicated whether Jugnauth denies any knowledge of or involvement with the equipment in question. **What This Means** The investigation into phone-tapping equipment goes to the heart of questions about rule of law and state power in Mauritius. If surveillance technology was used without proper legal authority to monitor politicians, judges, or journalists, it would represent a serious breach of constitutional rights. For the new government led by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, the investigation is both a legal and political priority. For Jugnauth and the MSM, the outcome of the inquiry could have significant legal consequences for those found to have been involved. The case is being closely watched by civil society groups, legal professionals, and international observers concerned about press freedom and democratic norms in Mauritius. Source: Le Défi Media