DAMNING REPORT ON SWAZILAND

Does any of this sound familiar?

‘Political violence and public protests led to a crackdown against critics of the government using the new Suppression of Terrorism Act. More than two-thirds of Swaziland’s population lived in poverty and two-fifths required food aid. Women and girls continued to be disproportionately affected by the country’s HIV pandemic, and by sexual violence. Police continued to use excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and workers on strike. Torture, other ill-treatment and the unjustified use of lethal force by law enforcement officials were reported.’

It is of course a description of human rights in Swaziland and it says to me that not much has changed in the kingdom, despite a new constitution that was put in place in 2006.

The description comes from the latest report into human rights in Swaziland by Amnesty International. It was released last month (May 2009) and refers to the year 2008.

The report condemns the Suppression of Terrorism Act (STA) that was signed into law by King Mswati III, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch. Amnesty says, ‘The STA’s broad definition of “terrorist act” fails to meet the requirements of legality. Offences created under the Act excessively restrict a wide range of human rights, including freedom of thought, conscience and religion; freedom of expression; freedom of association; and freedom of assembly.’

Amnesty draws attention to Mario Masuku, the President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), who was arrested, detained and charged under the STA in connection with a speech he allegedly made at a funeral. The provision under which he was charged violated the principle of legality. In December the prosecution added an alternate sedition charge.

Amnesty also highlights the case of Amos Mbedzi, who was injured during an alleged bombing attempt and taken into custody. It says ‘Mbedzi was allegedly tortured and subsequently made a statement to a magistrate while still in police custody and without access to a lawyer.

‘By the end of 2008, 16 defendants charged in 2006 with treason had still not been brought to trial. The government had still not published by the end of 2008 the findings of a commission of inquiry into allegations that the 16 men were tortured in pre-trial custody.’

Amnesty was reporting on events in 2008, but the human rights abuses it highlights continue daily. As recently as yesterday (3 June 2009) the Swazi state arrested prominent human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko (who represents Masuku) and charged him first under the Suppression of Terrorism Act and then under the Sedition Act for remarks he is alleged to have made at a May Day rally.

Amnesty’s report also covers issues of freedom of association, expression and assembly; police and security forces; the right to health and people living with HIV / AIDS; violence against women and girls and the death penalty.

To view the full report, click here.