Phoenix residents raise concern over treatment of accused

IN THE aftermath of the death of an accused arrested in connection with violence during July’s unrest, Phoenix residents yesterday voiced their concern over the treatment of all the community members in custody.

Jeetendra Jaikissoon, one of the men arrested for murder during the violence in Phoenix, died in hospital on Friday. He was in custody at Westville Prison when he complained of chest pains and feeling unwell.

There have been calls from his family and community activists for his death to be investigated. His family have also hired pathologist Reggie Perumal to determine the cause of death.

Yesterday, a community meeting was held at Pesco Hall in Phoenix. Speaking at the meeting, African Democratic Change leader Visvin Reddy said: “In the prison, some warders have adopted an attitude that these men are guilty. The treatment they (the accused) are receiving in prison is a serious human rights violation, especially when they are considered awaiting-trial prisoners. One of our members has already written to the Minister of Justice to bring this to his attention.”

Sasha Gopal, a Phoenix resident, said a relative who was arrested, was being denied medication.

“I have an uncle who was arrested for vandalism, he is a heart patient, I have not been allowed to give him medication.”

Michelle Khan, a Phoenix activist, said: “I have reports that the accused are being denied basic rights and are only given food late at night.”

Jaikissoon’s family said they were devastated by his death. Family spokesperson Manoj Harilall said they believed his constitutional rights were violated.

“We were not allowed to give Jeetendra his medication and he was promised medication in prison which was not given to him. Jeetendra had diabetes and hypertension and when his wife went to see him on Thursday he was not looking well. On Friday we received the call that he had passed away.”

Harilall added that the family had not been allowed to take any food or clothes to Jaikissoon during his 90 days in prison.

“The only things we were allowed to bring were soap and cigarettes. We were only recently allowed to see him and were also not allowed to give him anything when he appeared in court.”

Harilall said that the family were demanding justice and wanted a proper investigation to be conducted.

“On Wednesday when Jeetendra appeared in court he was fine and on Friday he was gone. We need to know the truth about what happened.”