Inquiry into Seychelles violence

Wavel Ramkalawan was defeated in July's polls

Seychelles President James Michel has ordered an inquiry into how security forces handled a demonstration outside parliament last week.

Some 100 people took part in the protest, calling on the government to end media restrictions.

Several people were injured, including opposition leader Wavel Ramkalawan, when police used tear gas and fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

Trouble began after MPs restricted private radio station ownership.

Press freedom campaigners Reporters Without Borders condemned police for their use of force.

The group said it was incomprehensible that violence had been used against unarmed citizens.

The unrest came two months after Mr Ramkalawan, the Seychelles National Party's leader who is also an Anglican priest, was defeated in presidential elections by the current head of state, James Michel.

The Seychelles People's Progressive Front has ruled in the Seychelles since former President Albert Rene seized power in a coup in 1977.

He restored multi-party democracy in 1993. Mr Rene had appointed Mr Michel his successor in 2004.