Education International (EI) has condemned the violent dispersion of peaceful pro-democracy demonstrations in Swaziland by the riot police and army.
More than 500 teacher unionists were barricaded inside the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) headquarters under siege from the security forces. After they finally forced their way out and as they were marching towards Manzini, police forces assaulted them. SNAT Usuthu Branch's Secretary, Justice Dlamini, was heavily beaten, while other teachers suffered injuries.
EI ‘firmly condemns this violent crackdown and urges the Swazi authorities to free all detained trade unions leaders and members, including teachers and students, respect the workers and unionists’ fundamental rights and freedoms in accordance with international standards, take into account the legitimate demands of Swazi workers for more democratic rights and open a dialogue with trade unions through sound collective bargaining mechanisms.’
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