DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights Press Statement on arrest and detention of two human rights defenders in the Kingdom of Swaziland DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights, as a member of the Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (SAHRDN), received reports on 19 March 2014 about the arrest and detention of two human rights defenders (HRDs) in the Kingdom of Swaziland. Mr Thulani Rudolf Maseko is a lawyer and columnist for ‘The Nation’ magazine in Swaziland. He was arrested on Monday 17 March 2014 on the orders of Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi. Mr Bheki Makhubu is the Editor of ‘The Nation’ magazine and was arrested on Tuesday 18 March 2014 for authoring articles about Swaziland’s judiciary. The articles questioned the rationale behind the arrest of the Chief Government Vehicle Inspector, Bhantshana Gwebu who was arrested and charged with contempt of court. Mr Maseko and Mr Makhubu have been remanded in custody until Tuesday 25 March 2014. SAHRDN has been monitoring developments in the Kingdom of Swaziland and is alarmed by the serious deterioration of the human rights situation. Arbitrary arrests, detention and malicious prosecution of HRDs, including members of the legal profession and journalists continue unabated. SAHRDN will continue to document and monitor incidents of suppression of democratic activities and more particularly freedom of expression. As a member of SAHRDN, DITSHWANELO is equally concerned about the targeting of these human rights defenders in Swaziland. DITSHWANELO joins SAHRDN and the numerous democratic forces throughout the region in: • Demanding the cessation of arbitrary arrests and detention of HRDs by the authorities in the Kingdom of Swaziland; • Demanding the immediate and safe release of Maseko and Makhubu from custody; • Calling for the immediate opening up of democratic space and respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of expression vital for the flourishing of democracy and participation by ordinary citizens in the affairs of their country; • Encouraging continued regional and international action in solidarity with the people of Swaziland and all legitimate HRDs to ensure the repressive activities of the state are brought to an end as a matter of urgency. DITSHWANELO believes in the fundamental human right of freedom of expression and believes that it is an essential part of a democratically functioning society. 19 March 2014 Gaborone
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 07:48:39 +0000
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