Thulani
Maseko, the human rights lawyer and journalist jailed for two years in Swaziland because
he wrote a magazine article critical of the Swazi judiciary, has written from his jail cell at Sidvwashini Prison to US President Barack Obama,
asking for the United States to impose sanctions against King Mswati III.
In
the letter that was written while Maseko was awaiting trial, the lawyer quoted
Obama himself who once said, ‘I do have an unyielding belief that all people
yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how
you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of
justice; government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people; the
freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas; they are
human rights.’
Maseko
wrote to President Obama, ‘We are happy that the American government, under
your administration, has noted that these things are not available to the vast
majority of the people of Swaziland. They are not available because we are living
under a dictatorship of a supreme monarchy that abuses the people’s customary
and traditional practices to stay in power. Yet we know that tradition and
customary practices should not impede on
basic human rights and fundamental freedoms and civil liberties. As far as
we in the democratic progressive movement understand, human rights are
God-given; they are inalienable, inherent, indivisible and inviolable.
‘In
the Kingdom of Swaziland, we live under an oppressive regime where it is said
“rights and freedoms which we accept must not conflict with our traditions as
the Swazi nation.” Such a notion is obviously inconsistent with the rule of law, democracy and good governance.’
He
added, ‘Mr. President, in the context of Swaziland, dissenting and opposing
voices are silenced, harassed and thrown into jail. The system of government is
based on one man [King Mswati III] with all political authority, which is sanctioned by the
constitution; this is the supreme law of the land. Section 79 of the 2005
Constitution prohibits the lawful existence
and recognition of political parties, which effectively undermines democracy
and democratic governance.’
He
added, ‘President Obama, I believe that it is now generally accepted that no
country can be a democracy when political parties are banned, and where basic
human rights and fundamental freedoms are unreasonably restricted and
contained. Such is the case in Swaziland.’
Maseko
called on President Obama and the American people and partners around the globe
to put pressure on King Mswati (who rules Swaziland as sub-Saharan Africa’s
last absolute monarch) to help put pressure
on the King to agree on constitutional talks.
He
also asked President Obama to influence countries of the European Union and the
United Nations ‘to take a firm stand on Swaziland’.
Maseko
wrote, ‘Our country exports huge amounts of sugar and beef to the countries of
Europe; a threat to such a market
will send shivers to the king, forcing him to reconsider his hardline
positions.
‘What
is more, our King is very fond of traveling the world. We reckon it is about
time for targeted sanctions against him and a select few members of his inner
circle to be considered.’
He
added, ‘I am afraid that if democratic and progressive governments do not take
a timely stand against the Swaziland monarchy, then we have the danger of a
violent confrontation, due to the intransigence of His Majesty King Mswati III
and his courts.’
Kerry
Kennedy, President of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human
Rights, which circulated the letter on the Internet said it was ‘a testament to not
only his unwavering courage in the face of unconscionable repression, but to
the spirit of all of Swaziland’s people who yearn for democracy and the rule of
law.’
Santiago A. Canton, Executive Director of RFK
Partners for Human Rights, said, ‘Freedom of expression is a basic human right
that must be protected. By violating Thulani’s rights as a citizen, authorities
in Swaziland have infringed on the rights of everyone, setting a horrible
precedent in an already dire situation.’
See
also
JOURNALISTS
JAILED TO DETER OTHERS
US BACKS CONVICTED SWAZI JOURNALISTS
JUDGE RESTRICTS PRESS FREEDOM
SUPPORT FOR CONVICTED JOURNALISTS
WHAT CONVICTED JOURNALISTS WROTE
