H. E. Sir Anerood Jugnauth
Prime Minister
Office of the Prime Minister
Government House
Port Louis
Mauritius
Vienna, 4 May 1995
Your Excellency,
The International Press Institute (IPI) is most concerned about the threat to press freedom in Mauritius posed by recent attacks on the Independent and its editor-in-chief Mr. Namassiwayam Ramalingum.
We are informed that the office and print works of the Independent have been fire-bombed and subjected to other violent attacks. Furthermore, we understand that demonstrations have been held against the paper and that a fatwa (religious edict), condemning Mr. Ramalingum to death, has been issued by leaders of the Mauritanian Islamic community.
(IPI), a global network of editors and media executives from newspapers, magazines, broadcasting organisations and news agencies in 85 countries, strongly urges that those responsible for the attacks on the Independent are brought to justice. We further urge that every possible step is taken to protect the safety of Mr. Ramalingum and all other journalists working in Mauritius.
We thank you for your attention.
Yours sincerely,
Johann P. Fritz
Director