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Sunday 9 November 2008

‘NO TRIAL’ LAW FOR SWAZILAND

Only weeks after the illegal appointment of Barnabas Dlamini as Prime Minister, Swaziland may reintroduce an act that allows police to detain suspects for up to 60 days without them appearing before a magistrate.


The law had applied previously when Dlamini was Swazi premier between 1996 and 2003. His term in office then was characterised by a reign of terror unleashed against the Swazi people and a complete disregard for the rule of law by Dlamini.


Today (9 November 2008) comes news that the Liqoqo committee that advises King Mswati III on important matters has summonsed the Swaziland Attorney General Majahen-khaba Dlamini to brief it on the possibility of reviving the 60-Day Detention Without Trial Order.


The Times Sunday reports today that the move comes following increased tension in Swaziland after the discovery of bombs in the kingdom. One exploded inside a car, killing those who were alleged to be on a mission to plant it under the main bridge at Lozitha, near one of the many palaces of the Swazi Royal Family.


The Attorney General confirmed to the newspaper that he met with Liqoqo, but he would not say what he told the committee.


Earlier this year, the Swazi Parliament introduced anti-terrorism legislation designed to give the state more power against those opposed to the undemocratic regime in Swaziland.


According to the Times Sunday, a source said that members of Liqoqo did not think the powers it had were strong enough.


Chairman of the Liqoqo Prince Logcogco said the committee was acting under the instructions of the king to get tough on terrorists.


Last month, while announcing Dlamini as Prime Minister, the king publicly told Dlamini to get the terrorists and all who support them.


This has been widely interpreted as permission for Dlamini to unleash another reign of terror in Swaziland.


Already civil liberties have been curtailed. Yesterday, I reported that a perfectly legal march had been halted by the police, who picked up march leaders and transported them to various parts of Swaziland to stop them from protesting.


See also

BARNABAS DLAMINI

SWAZI POLICE BAN LEGAL MARCH


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