Today (3 May 2020) is World Press Freedom Day, when
we come together to recognise the importance of journalism in a free society.
Swaziland (eSwatini) is not free. It is ruled by an absolute monarch King
Mswati III, who picks the Prime Minister, members of the Government, as well as
top judges and civil servants.
Political parties are banned from taking part in
elections and groups that call for democratic reform are banned under the Suppression
of Terrorism Act.
Nearly all broadcast media (radio and TV) are
state-controlled. One of the two daily newspaper groups in the kingdom is in
effect owned by the king. The other is cowed and practises self-censorship.
There is now a growing number of websites trying to
offer independent journalism. They have been under attack from the Swazi state.
Police and army have harassed, tortured and arrested journalists. We should
support them not only on World Press Freedom Day, but throughout the year.
Below are links to some stories about the lack of
media freedom in Swaziland published by the Swazi Media Commentary website over
the past month
Richard Rooney
Teacher
held by Swaziland police as free speech clampdown intensifies
Wife
of Swaziland King’s critic seeks court order to stop police harassing, beating
her
‘No
media freedom’ in Swaziland, Reporters Without Borders annual report states
https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2020/04/no-media-freedom-in-swaziland-reporters.html
Swaziland journalist critical of absolute monarch, beaten, arrested, faces treason charge
Swaziland journalist critical of absolute monarch, beaten, arrested, faces treason charge
Swaziland
journalist ‘tortured by police after criticising absolute monarch in newspaper
articles’
https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2020/03/swaziland-journalist-tortured-by-police.html
Newspaper editor flees Swaziland for second time after arrest and police torture
Newspaper editor flees Swaziland for second time after arrest and police torture
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