The shocking event of the arrest of Bruneau Laurette and his son on alleged drug trafficking has left few people indifferent. Each one of us seems to have an opinion about what likely happened. Some have expressed it; others have remained quiet. It doesn’t matter either way nor does even the truth at this stage.

What matters is the perception created by the arrest and incarceration of the Laurettes, particularly when viewed in connection with the arrest of previous targets that the newly-constituted Special Striking Team (SST) has hit since its formation. Maybe the SST is doing an excellent job and that the biggest drug dealers all happen to be vociferous, openly anti-government critics. Maybe the SST is made up of very honest cops whose agenda is really to eradicate drugs and that they are acting honestly and without any political interference.

I am not saying they are or they are not. But, if the public believed the SST were acting independently, honestly and in good faith, most people would be smiling, irrespective of whether they wanted to see Laurette in jail or not. There would be a sense of relief in the country that our children and grandchildren will be safe from the devastating influence of the biggest scourge this country is dealing with. Then the hit list, real or imaginary, published recently on social media and being constantly updated, would have been scoffed at as it should. People would have confidence that the police are acting in their interest and protecting their rights as citizens.

Is that what you see around you today? Is that what you hear? Or do you see some kind of pessimism never expressed before? An atmosphere of terror ready to jump on any rumour to feed itself, including a hit list? Do you hear of people fearing for their lives and their safety? Do you hear political opponents talking about snipers trying to kill them? Do you hear others talking of migrating to other countries where they can have peace of mind or a better future than they can be allowed to have in this country? Do you see opponents queuing up at the Line Barracks to file precautionary measures against some unknown entity? And did you see this week, on the other hand, a young guy who rose from rags to riches ordering nearly half a billion worth of roll-your-own-cigarette paper – “for his own personal storage” according to the minister of commerce – without anyone worried about the amount of drugs that they could be used for or asking where he got such a huge amount of money from? No ministry officials, no Mauritius Revenue Authority, no police, no independent institution, no nothing? Everyone seems to be busy tracking down opponents! Have you lived similar situations before?

More than Akil Bissessur and his girlfriend’s arrest and incarceration on charges the SST haven’t been able to prove yet; more than the arrest and incarceration of Bruneau Laurette and his son on alleged charges we still haven’t had any proof of; more than piling up additional charges on him by dredging up old accusations in what could be construed as harassment; more than the time it takes for the justice system to free people on bail; it is the atmosphere created by what is perceived as systematic attacks on opponents that should worry every honest citizens. It is the climate of terror it engenders that is more worrying.

Such a climate is built brick by events and reactions to them. It shapes the perception of everyone and is responsible for the mood in the country.

Whether you are in the opposition or you wish this government could stay in power for another 100 years, look around you and tell us what kind of mood you see around you. That could be the answer to the unasked question of why those who are amassing so much wealth today are still not happy. That mood is contagious!