The
government in the absolute monarchy of Swaziland (eSwatini) has introduced a
law aimed at censoring all forms of media which could lead to a 10-year jail
sentence for people publishing ‘fake news’.
The
kingdom ruled by King Mswati III as sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch
already has been labelled ‘not
free’
by human rights groups.
A
government gazette has been published detailing the proposed law. The bill will
be piloted by the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology which
is headed by the King’s daughter, Princess Sikhanyiso.
The
Times of eSwatini reported that the bill states that any person who
publishes any statement or fake news through any medium, including social media,
with the intention to deceive any other person or group of persons commits an
offence. On conviction a person would be liable to a fine not exceeding E10
million (US$600,000) or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or both.
The
new law would allow the courts to prosecute in some circumstances Swazi
nationals who live outside of Swaziland. It also covers a wide range of
offences including spamming and cyberstalking. Cyberstalking includes making
false accusations, defamation and identity theft.
King
Mswati who has been widely criticised by human rights groups controls much of
the mainstream media in Swaziland. Nearly all broadcasting is state-controlled
and one of the only two daily newspapers in the kingdom is in effect owned by
the King. Formal censorship and self-censorship by journalists when reporting
matters about the King is almost total.
In
recent years news websites that call for human rights reforms in Swaziland have
been launched. The editors of two of them are in exile in neighbouring
South Africa after publishing articles deemed critical of the King. They face sedition
charges
if they return to Swaziland. There are also a number of Facebook sites and
other social media platforms that carry material critical of the King.
Reporters Without
Borders
in its World Press Index released earlier in 2020 reported that there was no
media freedom in Swaziland. It reported, ‘No court is allowed to prosecute or
try members of the government, but any criticism of the regime is liable to be
the subject of a prosecution. Far from being an independent protector of rights
and freedoms, the judicial system is often used to undermine journalism.’
Freedom
House scored Swaziland 16 out of a possible 100 points in its Freedom in the
World 2019 report.
It concluded that Swaziland was ‘not free’.
Freedom
House stated, ‘The King exercises ultimate authority over all branches of the
national government and effectively controls local governance through his
influence over traditional chiefs. Political dissent and civic and labor
activism are subject to harsh punishment under sedition and other laws.
Additional human rights problems include impunity for security forces and discrimination
against women and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) people.’
In
Swaziland political parties are barred from taking part in elections. Groups
advocating for democracy are outlawed under the Suppression of Terrorism Act.
See
also
Swaziland
journalist critical of King flees, hides in forest five days
Swaziland journalist critical of absolute monarch, beaten, arrested, faces treason charge
‘No
media freedom’ in Swaziland, Reporters Without Borders annual report states
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
Swaziland
democracy leader charged with sedition for criticising absolute monarch on news
website
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