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Ban on living on the outer Chagos Islands is overturned
The ruling quashed a 2004 ban and an order to remove visitors, opening the way for Chagossians to challenge restrictions on the outer islands.
- On Tuesday, the BIOT Supreme Court quashed removal orders for Chagossians living on Ile Du Coin, allowing the group to remain on the archipelago for the time being. This ruling represents a major legal setback for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's controversial handover deal with Mauritius.
- In February, nine people, including four Chagossians, landed on Ile Du Coin to establish a settlement, challenging a 2004 law that prevented their return. They were soon served with removal notices threatening three-year prison sentences or £3,000 fines.
- Justice James Lewis overturned the 2004 ban, ruling that national security concerns no longer justify excluding the population. The court stated future permit decisions must consider "heritage rights" and the right of abode for entitled Chagossians.
- The Foreign Office is appealing the decision, complicating Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's agreement to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Legal experts argue this defeat suggests "the Chagos deal is unravelling."
- Opposition figures, including Dame Priti Patel, have criticized the handover as a "complete betrayal," while President Donald Trump previously described the deal as an "act of great stupidity." These political pressures intensify the government's predicament.
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Mauritius is following closely a court decision that overturns the notice of expulsion of four Chagosians from the Chagos Islands, part of which is soon to be handed over to the Mauritians, who had entered the territory illegally. On Tuesday, 31 March, the Supreme Court of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) annulled the notice of expulsion.
·Paris, France
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Blow for Starmer as judge rules Chagossians have right to live on disputed islands
Justice James Lewis, the judge for the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Court, has ruled that Chagossians have a right of abode on the islands
·London, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources9
Leaning Left2Leaning Right4Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Right
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
50% Right
L 25%
C 25%
R 50%
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