Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission – Hearing number 176 |14 July 2021

Mr Constance

More evidence of harassment from state security surfaces

As it has been the case on many occasions, yesterday’s hearing of the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission was once again highlighted by testimonies of harassment from the state security which is believed to be behind several death and disappearance cases in the country back in the one-party state era and even after.

The only person before the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission (TRNUC) in open session yesterday was complainant Walter Constance in case 0441 filed by himself regarding harassment received due to his political belief.

Mr Constance started his testimony by admitting that he was very vocal when it came to criticising the former regime, and for that, a target was painted on his back.

He explained that he was being constantly followed by Jemmy Marengo and Marc Pool who were two well-known officers of the state security whose names have surfaced on several occasions before the commission.

Mr Constance testified that, other than being followed, the two men constantly monitored and walked around his property at night, while he was threatened by Mr Marengo who showed him a pistol and said that he will blow his head off if he was to continue talking about former Presidents Albert René and James Michel.

Mr Constance also talked about a particular incident when he witnessed former President James Michel making the ‘throat slash’ gesture to Mr Marengo while talking to him.

The throat slash is made by moving one's index finger, thumb or entire hand, held straight and with palm down, horizontally across one's throat; the gesture imitates cutting a person's throat with a blade, indicating strong disapproval, extreme anger, or displeasure with others.

Two days after that, his pick-up was mysteriously burned, causing the death of Claude Monnaie.

Mr Constance explained that the death of Mr Monnaie was mysterious since the latter was convalescing quite well and was interacting with him the last time he saw him, only to find out that he died a few hours after leaving him to head back to Praslin.

It was said that the cause of the fire was a Molotov cocktail which was thrown at the truck.

He also told the commission that he had evidence – recordings – of further threats and other plans to try and eliminate him, through a mole within the system.

He added that even after the death of Mr Monnaie, he was still being harassed, but due to his strength and courage, it was not easy for them to get him.

When asked whether he made any official complaint to the police, Mr Constance explained that the inefficiency of the force, as well as the influence of the state security did not make any difference at that time.

Among other forms of victimisation Mr Constance suffered was not receiving approval to release his truck cabin from customs, as well as refusal to approve his plan for two blocks of flats by the planning authority.

When asked about whether he is ready to forgive the perpetrators, Mr Constance said it is out of question.

He however noted the he is expecting a compensation for his truck, as well as financial reparation for the children of Mr Monnaie who lost their father.

Roland Duval