The Swaziland Democracy Campaign
says Swazi security forces, afraid of the success of last month’s mass
demonstration that demanded the resignation of the entire government, are
mobilising to stop protests planned for next Tuesday (12 April 2011).
Already, activists have been hauled
in by police, tortured and threatened with death.
In a statement, SDC says, ‘What is
heartening is that despite the escalation of state repression, road blocks,
surveillance and intimidation, democracy activists and the organisations they
represent are standing firm and have recommitted themselves to the struggle for
a democratic Swaziland.’
The full statement is published
below.
SDC Press Statement On Recent Persecution of Democracy Activists in Swaziland
8
April 2011
The
Swaziland Democracy Campaign was
horrified and outraged by reports that the police illegally arrested and
detained the national youth organiser of the Peoples United Democracy Movement
(PUDEMO) on Tuesday this week, and subjected him to torture and gross
violations of his rights.
Comrade Kkolisi Ngcamphalana was arrested by security
operatives, and held for 24 hours during which time he was very roughly
manhandled and beaten, suffocated by having plastic bags put over his head, and
endured threats to his life and those of his family. He was not given time the
opportunity to answer scurrilous accusations levelled against him, or to make
contact with legal or family representatives. On release the police took up positions
outside his home, in an attempt to isolate and intimidate well wishers and
supporters.
The
purpose of his interrogation was to uncover plans for possible protest actions
that will be taking place to mark April 12th next week, the date
when 37 years ago, the constitution was suspended, and rule by Royal Decree was established, and remains in existence
today. There have been a range of protests on this day for many years, by trade unions, faith based organisations and many social
and community groups.
It
is clear that the security forces are hoping to
curtail any form of protest on April 12 this year because of the scale of the
mobilisation that took place last month led by the trade
union movement and the chronic state of the economy, and disarray among
competing factions in the ruling elite. Last month trade unions and other groups successfully protested
about the chronic mismanagement of the economy, and attempts by the regime to
shift the burden of the economic meltdown on to an already impoverished people.
It is however universally accepted that the severe economic crisis owes much to
gross corruption and the wastefulness of a regime that believes itself to be
above the law. Two days ago the Prime Minister announced that protests of any
description would be banned on April 12 forthwith.
What
is heartening is that despite the escalation of state repression, road blocks,
surveillance and intimidation, democracy activists and the organisations they
represent are standing firm and have recommitted themselves to the struggle for
a democratic Swaziland. There will be protests next week in Swaziland, what
shape or form they take will be decided upon by those on the ground. There will
be a march by COSATU and its affiliates to the border at Oshoek next Tuesday to
show solidarity with those inside the country, and certainly the Swaziland
Democracy Campaign will accelerate its activities. April 12 may come and go,
the campaign for a democratic Swaziland will continue. There is no turning
back.
These
important matters will be discussed at a Public Rally on Sunday 10th
April at 10.00am at the Civic Theatre in Braamfontein where representatives of
the Swaziland United Democratic Front, Swaziland Trade Unions, COSATU and others will outline
a Plan of Action for the coming period. All those
willing to support the campaign are welcome to attend.
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