Seychelles opposition leaders arrested and brutally beaten by riot police

2.17.53pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 4th Oct 2006

Reacting to the news that Seychelles opposition leader, Wavel Ramkalawan, and several members of the Seychelles National Party have been arrested and brutally beaten by police, European Liberal Democrat Leader Graham Watson, MEP said: "I strongly condemn the use of violence by the Seychelles riot police against a peaceful gathering in front of the National Assembly Building in Victoria. In the political realm it is not brutal force but the power of argument and public opinion that are the mightiest weapons. Democracy and human rights suffer when political difference not fought out with political means and Europe shall not be a silent observer".

European Liberal Democrats demand greater press freedom in the Seychelles, the release of the editor of the oposition weekly "Regar" and free access to state radio and television for the opposition.

Graham Watson will raise the matter today with European Commissioners Louis Michel and Benita Ferrero-Waldner.