Mauritius to Use Anti-Terror Law Against Rioters and Looters

Mauritius authorities have announced that individuals involved in public disorder and looting will face prosecution under the country's anti-terrorism law wherever that legislation can be applied, signalling a hardened legal response to the unrest that has gripped parts of the island.

The warning was issued as Mauritius continues to deal with a wave of civil disturbances, including incidents of looting at commercial premises and attacks on public infrastructure. The announcement makes clear that the government does not intend to treat these cases solely as ordinary criminal matters.

Mauritius's Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) is a serious piece of legislation that carries significantly heavier penalties than standard criminal charges for offences such as theft or assault. By invoking it against rioters and looters, prosecutors are signalling that acts of organised public disorder may be treated as threats to national security and public order at the highest legal level.

The move is notable because anti-terrorism statutes are typically reserved for politically or ideologically motivated violence. Applying them in the context of civil unrest and looting represents an escalation in the government's legal posture and is likely intended as a strong deterrent to anyone considering joining or continuing the disturbances.

The unrest has already led to dozens of arrests. According to earlier reports, at least 94 people were detained, including 16 minors and one police officer. Several suspects connected to the looting of Cascavelle Shopping Mall and a robbery involving an Oxenham truck were remanded in custody until late October. Authorities also ransacked the Bambous Courthouse during the disorder, forcing court services to relocate temporarily to Rose-Hill.

In response to the situation, the government imposed a curfew and restricted the sale of fuel in jerry cans to prevent accelerants from being used to start fires. Schools were closed on Thursday and Friday, and a number of national examinations were postponed, though School Certificate and Higher School Certificate exams continued as scheduled.

What this means: For anyone involved in looting or public disorder, the risk is no longer simply a theft or affray charge. If prosecutors determine that the Prevention of Terrorism Act applies, accused persons could face far longer sentences and more complex legal proceedings. This announcement is as much a warning to potential participants as it is a statement of legal intent, and it underlines how seriously the Mauritian government is treating the current wave of unrest.

Source: Le Defi Media