South African National Editors’ Forum
Press release 18 April 2013
Concerned With
Sentencing of Swaziland Editor Bheki Makhubu
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) objects
in the strongest terms to the conviction and sentencing in Swaziland of Bheki
Makhubu, the editor of the Nation
magazine, on charges of "scandalising the court".
Mr Makhubu was sentenced to two years in jail, alternatively
a R200 000 fine, after contempt charges were brought against him by Swaziland's
Attorney General Majahenkhaba Dlamini, over two articles dealing with the
attitude of judges, including the Chief Justice, to the constitution.
The use of contempt charges to silence legitimate
scrutiny of judicial conduct and attitudes will do nothing to secure the
dignity and credibility of Swaziland's courts. On the contrary, by seeking to
enforce silence rather than to foster open debate, this judgement is more likely
to engender doubt, criticism, and suspicion of Swaziland's courts than it is to
create respect.
We understand Bheki Makhubu will appeal the verdict and
sentence, and we will work with other regional and local organisations to
support him. We strongly urge the South African government and the African
Union to more vigorously remind the Swazi authorities of the importance of a
free press and open democratic environment.
See also
HIGH COURT SUPPRESSES MEDIA FREEDOM
MISA:
EDITOR’S CONVICTION ‘BRUTAL’
EDITOR’S
CONTEMPT SENTENCE ‘SHOCKING’
EDITOR SET FOR TWO YEARS IN JAIL
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