LHR condemns political violence in Swaziland

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) wishes to add its voice to the growing calls for an end to rampant political oppression and violence in Swaziland. The events of today which has seen the mass arrests of hundreds of protesters and the detention of journalists have brought the political crisis in Swaziland into light. 

Mass action has long been a tradition in Southern Africa against autocratic rule. LHR supports the right of the people of Swaziland to protest peacefully and to have their voices heard.

The freedom of expression is a right guaranteed in international law. International bodies, such as SADC and the African Union, must add their voice to the growing chorus condemning the violent repression of this protest. Such regional institutions must also out-rightly condemn the treatment of international journalists who were detained while covering the story.

The South African government must also take a firm stand against the autocratic rule of King Mswati III and the violent repression which his government imposes on the people of that country.

South Africa has already experienced the backlash of not reacting to political violence in Zimbabwe. Criticism was laid squarely at the feet of the South African government for attempting quiet diplomacy with a regime which had no intention of submitting itself to democratic reforms and elections. Quiet diplomacy did not lessen the violence in Zimbabwe and is unlikely to work in Swaziland.

LHR calls on the South African government to take the lead in this case and instigate initiatives in SADC and the African Union as well as to use its seat on the Security Council to push for democratic change in Swaziland. We further call on the Government to show its unreserved support for the people of Swaziland to use peaceful protest as a means to express their frustration at their government and for the rights of journalists to report on stories without fear of detention.