The Seychelles Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has asked the Supreme Court to stop live broadcasts of witness testimonies before the Montagne Posée Prison Incident Commission of Inquiry.
The SHRC filed the application jointly with the Office of the Ombudsman.
Court documents show both institutions requested the immediate suspension of televised depositions on 4 May 2026.
In their letter to the chairman of the Commission of Inquiry, they raised concerns about witness rights.
They said continued broadcasting could expose witnesses to intimidation and reprisals.
They also warned about loss of privacy and irreversible harm to dignity.
Furthermore, they said public dissemination of testimonies could affect ongoing investigations.
On 8 May 2026, the Commission of Inquiry replied to the request.
It said it was “unable to accede” to the request.
The SHRC now argues before the Supreme Court that the decision was unlawful.
According to the filing, the Commission of Inquiry Act 1962 does not expressly authorise broadcasting, televising or live-streaming proceedings before a Commission of Inquiry.
The petition also argues that the Commission of Inquiry failed to consider constitutional concerns raised by the SHRC and Ombudsman.
These concerns include the rights of witnesses to dignity and privacy.
The filing further states that public hearings could continue without live transmission of testimonies.
It says less restrictive measures were available to preserve public access to proceedings.
The petition also states that such measures could protect witnesses and ongoing investigations.
Court documents show the SHRC and Ombudsman are conducting a separate joint investigation into the December 2024 prison incident.
The filing also raises broader constitutional concerns about the structure and operation of the Commission of Inquiry.
Preliminary observations attached to the application question whether the Commission of Inquiry complies with constitutional principles.
These principles relate to separation of powers and institutional independence.
The observations also raise concerns about the participation of a sitting judge in the Commission of Inquiry.
The SHRC is asking the Supreme Court to issue injunctions against continued broadcasting and publication of testimonies.
It is also seeking orders to remove publicly accessible witness material.
This includes testimonies, names, images and identifying particulars.
The matter was filed before the Supreme Court of Seychelles.