Voices from inside

Voices from inside

People sometimes make choices. Sometimes forced sometimes for a different reason. Unfortunately, society is harsh and judgmental. But don't we all make the wrong choice sometimes?

The human behind the prisoner

A total of 77 men from 27 different countries. Different cultures, different religions without exception all in custody for the time being. Some even up to 8 years without even seeing a family member. you will not easily see them cry during the day, while their eyes hide their deep sorrow. All longing for home, back to their wives, children or even their mother. Together they live in a community, forced by a single misstep in their lives. Young fathers who, with a great sense of responsibility, sought a quick solution to a financial dilemma. Others maybe as quick money or to finance a standard of living. Unfortunately with enormous consequences that will change their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Treating prisoners right is important

Treating prisoners with basic human rights is crucial for creating a fair and just criminal justice system. It is not only ethical to provide prisoners with decent living conditions and basic rights, but also beneficial for reducing recidivism rates and promoting successful reentry to society.

Firstly, prisoners are entitled to the basic human rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. All individuals, no matter their criminal history, should be given dignity and treated with respect. Basic human rights, such as access to healthcare, sanitation, and food, are a necessary part of ensuring prisoners are treated humanely. Without access to these basic necessities, prisoners may suffer from malnutrition, illness, or physical harm, which could lead to more severe health issues and even death.

Secondly, treating prisoners with dignity and providing basic human rights can lead to positive outcomes and reduce recidivism rates. When prisoners are treated decently and are given access to education or skill-building programs, they are more likely to return to society as contributing members. On the other hand, prisoners who are not provided with these opportunities or are treated poorly during their time in prison, may struggle to find work, re-integrate into society, or fall back into criminal behavior.

Furthermore, providing prisoners with basic human rights can benefit society as a whole. When prisoners are treated with respect and their basic needs are met, they are less likely to develop a sense of resentment for society or the criminal justice system. This can help to reduce the risk of violence, protests, or riots within the prison community, keeping staff and inmates safe.

In conclusion, treating prisoners with basic human rights is essential for creating a fair and just criminal justice system. It is not only ethical but also necessary for reducing recidivism rates, promoting successful reentry to society, and benefiting society as a whole. By prioritizing the needs of prisoners and respecting their basic rights, we can create a system that is focused on rehabilitation and fostering a safe and supportive environment.

Published testimonies

First-hand accounts from detainees and families.

A voice from inside

My brother has a challenge.He has an ear problem in prison.He didn,t get proper medication.His eardrum burst and there was no proper medication .Now both his ears are affected and he was bleeding .No measures have been taken by the responsible authorities in the prison .Im kindly asking you to help us urgently because he needs urgent medical assistance.

Polite Kaitanopolice misconduct

A voice from inside

Greetings my husband is Mauritoous prison is having an ear problem since last year and proper medication was rentered to him .He looses one of his eardrum it burst and now all his ears are totally gone .He never slept well yesternight and the responsible authouritu haven,t send him to hospital .May you plis assist him urgently

Unknownprison conditions

A voice from inside

Greetings My brother was approached for work by some men he met on his way to work. At that time, he was a shoe seller. They promised him green pastures in Mauritiusand asked if he had a passport so they could sponsor his flight and all expenses to go and work there. After sponsoring him, they then forced him to carry drugs. They threatened to kill him if he refused. It has now been 4 years that he has been in prison. We are appealing for justice and requesting that he be deported back to Zimbabwe to complete his sentence here at home, close to his family. He is also suffering from ear problems. He cannot hear properly and urgently needs a hearing aidand proper medical examination. He left his family at a very young age, and we are pleading for your help to bring him back home to be with us. We would be grateful for any assistance you can provide regarding his repatriation and medical treatment. Thank you for your time and consideration. God bless you. Yours faithfully Polite kaitano Your Contact Number:+263778993989 Relationship to the person. sister

Polite Kaitanopolice misconduct

A Plea for Mercy and Humanitarian Assistance for a Mother Detained in Mauritius

A Plea for Mercy and Humanitarian Assistance for a Mother Detained in Mauritius To Whom It May Concern We are making an urgent and heartfelt appeal for mercy, compassion and humanitarian assistance for my best friend, a South African mother who is currently imprisoned in Mauritius. According to her family and friends, she became involved in a situation where she was used to transport drugs without being fully aware of the facts and the seriousness of what she was carrying. She has already spent approximately six years in prison and was sentenced to 17 years in December 2025. We understand that the law must take its course, and we are not asking for the law to simply be ignored. We are asking that the human being behind the sentence also be seen — a mother, a daughter, a friend and a woman whose children desperately need her. She has children here in South Africa who are growing up without their mother. Her youngest child is only 7 years old and asks for his/her mother every day. A child cannot fully understand why their mother is so far away or why she cannot come home. To these children, she is not simply a prisoner — she is their mother. We are also extremely concerned about the conditions in which she is being held. We have been told that there are serious shortages of basic necessities such as soap, toilet paper, underwear and water. We have also been informed about overcrowded and unhygienic prison conditions and concerns regarding the quality and nutritional value of the food being provided. We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for mercy, dignity and humanity. We respectfully appeal to the relevant authorities to please consider her circumstances, the devastating effect her imprisonment is having on her children, the years she has already spent in prison, and the conditions under which she is currently being held. We sincerely ask that every possible legal and humanitarian option be explored to allow her to return to South Africa, if this is legally possible, so that she can be closer to her children and family. We also urgently ask that attention be given to the basic human needs and dignity of prisoners who are living under these difficult conditions. She may be a prisoner, but she is still a human being. She is still someone’s daughter. She is still a mother. And to her children, she will always be Mommy. We ask you, please, do not let her children lose hope of seeing their mother again. We make this appeal with the greatest respect, but also with desperate and broken hearts. We are asking for mercy, compassion and any assistance that could give this mother and her children a chance to be reunited. Please help us bring a mother closer to her children. ❤️ With sincere gratitude, Her family and friends On behalf of her children

Prisoners Best friendprison conditions

No clean water, no dignity

Inside the cells there is no toilet paper and no warm water. We wash with cold water and eat with the same hands we use for everything else. It is inhumane. We are not convicted of anything — we are only waiting.

Anonymous detaineeprison conditions

My lawyer can't speak to me privately

The officer listens to every call with my lawyer. I cannot discuss my case. How can I prepare a defence when someone is always listening? This is not a fair trial.

Detainee, Melroseprison conditions

Held six years without a trial

My brother was arrested at the airport in 2019. Six years later he is still in Melrose, waiting for an FSL report that never arrives. We have no information, no date, no hope. Every month we get a few minutes on the phone. We don't know if he is okay. We just know he is still there.

Sister of a detaineelegal mishandling

Forced to sign a confession I never read

CID officers questioned me for hours without a lawyer. They put a statement in front of me in a language I do not speak well and told me to sign. I was told it would be easier if I cooperated. I did not understand what I was signing.

A witnesspolice misconduct

Active cases

Foreign detainees we are supporting.

A. N.

South AfricanOn trial3 yr remand

Drug importation

Held since July 2022

J. K.

high
BritishPre-trial remand5 yr remand

Importation of a controlled substance

Held since March 2020

R. D.

critical
FrenchPre-trial remand7 yr remand

Importation of narcotics

Held since November 2018

Invitation to the community

Uniting Against Corruption in Preparation for the 2024 Elections in Mauritius

Dear Respected Community Members,

As we approach the upcoming 2024 elections in Mauritius, we are presented with a critical opportunity to shape the future of our nation. Amidst this pivotal moment, it is essential that we address a pressing issue that affects us all: corruption, misconduct, and abuse within the Mauritius Police Force.

The integrity of our law enforcement agencies is fundamental to the well-being of our society. Reports of corruption, misbehavior, and even instances of torture involving police officers on duty cannot be disregarded. It is imperative that we, as a community, take a stand against such actions and work collectively to ensure that justice and accountability prevail.

As citizens who hold the power to shape the course of our country's future, we must unite to create a strong front against corruption within the Mauritius Police Force. Our voices matter, and our actions have the potential to drive meaningful change and safeguard the principles of transparency, fairness, and respect for human rights within law enforcement.

We call upon each and every one of you to step forward and report any cases of corruption, misbehavior, or abuse by police officers.

Join us in this crucial endeavor by reporting any instances of wrongdoing within the Mauritius Police Force.

Help us bring the truth to light.

Foreign Prisoners NetworkForeign Prisoners Network

An NGO helping foreign detainees held in extreme circumstances in Mauritius prisons. Stand against corruption. Bring the truth to light.

Contact

Foreign Prisoners Network
71-75 Shelton Street
Covent Garden — London
United Kingdom
contact@foreign-prisoners.com

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© 2026 Foreign Prisoners Network — Mauritius. Dignity, behind bars, must never be locked away.