The Swaziland Editors’ Forum has expressed it support for
Bheki Makhubu, the editor of the Nation
magazine, who has been convicted of ‘scandalising the court’ because he
criticised the Swazi judiciary.
Makhubu was fined E200,000 (US$22,000) by the High Court
and told if he did not pay within three days he would immediately go to jail
for two years. His sentence is on hold pending an appeal to the Swaziland
Supreme Court.
In a statement to mark World Press Freedom Day (3 May
2013), the Swaziland Editors’ Forum said, ‘It is sad to say that this incident
which sent waves of anger across the world will have a chilling effect on the
press and on freedom of expression.
‘We do not believe that criticism of the judiciary should
be a crime. We believe the public should respect and hold the judiciary in
esteem for what it represents, not because of the fear is inspires in the
public.
‘We are also shocked at the implications if the
judiciary, a public institution, finds it necessary to protect its dignity with
the fear with such severe consequences.
‘For the record, Makhubu is a member of our Forum, and
the Editors of Swaziland stand beside him at this most challenging time.’
See also
PRESS FREEDOM AND THE NATION
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