Amnesty International USA has made an "Urgent Appeal" concerning the "current wave of repression" in Swaziland.
They are asking the general public to write to Swaziland's PM, Police Commissioner and copy to the Swazi representative in the USA.
The appeal is copied below but can also be found at
www.amnestyusa.org/actioncenter/actions/uaa15510.pdf
Amnesty International's mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all human rights.
UANetwork Office AIUSA 600 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC 20003
T. 202.544.0200
F. 202.675.8566
E. uan@aiusa.org amnestyusa.org/urgent/
12 July 2010
UA 155/10 Risk of torture/ Ill-treatment
SWAZILAND Political activists, human rights defenders and trade unionists
Political activists, human rights defenders and trade unionists in Swaziland are at risk of harassment, ill-treatment and arrest, as the authorities use draconian counter-terror legislation to investigate a spate of government-targeted petrol bombings.
Amnesty International has been in contact with more than a dozen activists in Swaziland who have been harassed, threatened, ill treated or detained by the Swaziland police since June 2010, under the 2008 Suppression of Terrorism Act (STA). Activists have had homes and offices searched, been searched themselves at roadblocks; they have had documents and other materials seized and have been under intense surveillance. Amnesty International is not naming the activists for fear of increasing their risk.
Some of the house searches of individuals, including those accused of being members of, or sympathetic to, banned political organizations, have been conducted without search warrants and in the early morning hours by armed police. Some were denied the right to make calls during the prolonged search operations. Some were later taken to police stations for interrogation about their political activities. Testimony and other information received by Amnesty International indicate that several political activists have been subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment during interrogation. In one case, the victim was allegedly beaten with batons and subjected to suffocation torture. He was released without charge, but remains at risk of further ill-treatment.
Two political activists have also told Amnesty International that armed police recently came to their homes searching for them. Neither were present when the police arrived and do not know when the police may return. Both men have been unlawfully detained and allegedly tortured by the police in the past. Amnesty International is concerned that these men, and several others, may be at risk of ill-treatment again if they are arrested and interrogated by the police in the coming weeks.
High profile human rights defenders and trade unionists have also had their homes searched by armed police, usually under warrants authorizing them to search for evidence of terrorist activities.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In August 2008, the Suppression of Terrorism Act was signed into law in Swaziland. The implementation of the law has led to arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment of detainees and the charging of political activists under provisions of law that are vague, sweeping and
fail to meet international standards. The law has had an intimidating and silencing effect on political activists calling for democratic reforms and human rights defenders campaigning to address the country’s dire humanitarian situation. In November 2008, the government declared four political organizations, including the longstanding political organizations People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) and the Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO) to be terrorist “entities” under the provisions of the law.
Many of the circumstances regarding the recent spate of petrol bombings remain unclear. However, it appears that they have been largely targeted against government institutions. There are no reports of loss of life or injury but some damage to property has been caused. In June, two men were arrested and charged under the Suppression of Terrorism Act in connection with the incidents.
Among those directly affected by the current wave of repression are officials and members of trade unions, human rights defenders working with non-governmental organizations, leaders of new political coalitions including the Swaziland United Democratic Front and Swaziland Democracy Campaign, and members or suspected members of PUDEMO and SWAYOCO. Amnesty International has confirmed information on incidents involving more than a dozen individuals but many other incidents have been reported on which it is seeking confirmation. Some of the political activists have gone into hiding out of fear of detention and ill-treatment.
In late 2005 –early 2006, following a similar spate of petrol bombing in Swaziland, 16 individuals were arrested and charged with treason and other offenses. They were released on bail in March 2006 and have yet to be brought to trial. Allegations of suffocation torture, beatings and other ill-treatment emerged at magistrates court hearings. The High Court, when granting bail, ordered the government to investigate these allegations. While the Prime Minister established a commission of inquiry in October 2006, the results have never been made public.
The searches and interrogations of high profile human rights defenders and trade unionists appear deliberately intended to intimidate and undermine their lawful organizing and advocacy work and are evidence of the indiscriminate use and effect of the STA.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible:
■ Appeal to the government to ensure that official investigations into the recent spate of bombings in Swaziland are conducted in
full compliance with the country’s obligations under international human rights law and in particular regarding the absolute
prohibition against torture;
■ Express your concern that police, during investigations into the bombing incidents, have undertaken prolonged searches at the
homes of a large number of alleged members of political organizations and some civil society activists, sometimes without
warrants and followed by interrogations involving alleged threats, ill-treatment and torture in several cases at police stations;
■ Note that while all governments have a clear duty to protect their population from deliberate violent attack, all governments,
including Swaziland’s, must adhere to their obligations under international human rights law in responding to incidents or threats
of violent attacks.
APPEALS TO:
Prime Minister
Dr. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini
P.O. Box 395,
Mbabane,
SWAZILAND
Fax: 011 268 404 3943
Salutation: Dear Prime Minister
Commissioner of Police
Mr. Isaac Magagula
The Royal Swaziland Police Service,
P.O. Box 49,
Mbabane H100
SWAZILAND
Fax: 011 268 404 4545
Salutation: Dear Commissioner
COPIES TO:
Ambassador Ephraim Mandlenkosi M Hlophe
Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland
1712 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington DC 20009
Phone: 202 234 5002
Fax: 1 202 234 8254
Email: info@swazilandembassyus.com
PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY.
Check with the AIUSA Urgent Action office if sending appeals after 31 July 2010.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sample letter to Canadian High Comissioner
Adèle Dion
High Commissioner
As the world focuses on football in South Africa, the neighboring Kingdom of Swaziland appears to be moving to a state of civil war!
Recently political activist Sipho Jele was killed in prison in early May - government has still not provided the autopsy report. Political activist Alex Langwenya's home was bombed this past week and last week many political activists were being rounded up.
Now activist Zonke Dlamini has been arrested, taken to Court on Sunday June 13 and sent to the Sidvwashini Correctional - "Sipho Jele who was also...accepted at the Sidvwashini Correctional on Sunday [May 2] and was later reported to have died after allegedly hanging himself" by using a blanket in a wash room where there are no rafters. These type of "suicides" were common during the apartheid era and still occur in the absolute monarchy of Swaziland.
We fear for Zonke's life!
And therefore request that you immediately contact your Swazi counterpart to convey our concern about Zonke's unusual imprisonment. If he should happen to "commit suicide" the country, I fear, will explode as workers, students, unions and ordinary citizens have been pushed to a very dangerous precipice.
Canada and the Commonwealth are overlooking this catastrophe but it will not be enough to report the deaths after the fact.
Sincerely,
Edna Hepry
Saint John, NB, Canada
The following is from the Times of Swaziland: http://www.times.co.sz/?month=6&day=14&year=2010
SWAYOCO member arrested
By MBONGISENI NDZIMANDZE on June 14,2010
MBABANE - President of the proscribed Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO) Wandile Dludlu alleges that their member was denied his right of legal representation by the police.
He said ever since his arrest on Friday, Zonke Tradewell Dlamini was interrogated by the police and they further refused their attorney to see him. He said the police when asked further denied that the accused person had been arrested while knowing very well that he was in custody.
"We cannot disown him now as we believe that a person is innocent until proven guilty. Our members were not even aware that he was due to appear before court today (Sunday). Dlamini has been deprived his constitutional right of legal representation by the police and we believe this is uncalled for," he said.
Dludlu said they were not supporting the recent bombings but believed that a person was presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
Deputy Police PRO Assistant Superintendent Wendy Hleta said in their Nhlangano records, they did not have anyone by the name of the suspect.
"I would presume these people went to the wrong station," she said.
Suspect cannot move bail application
MBABANE- The suspect in the two bombing incidents in the Shiselweni region was yesterday told that he could not move a bail application.
The judge told him that it would be impossible for him to move a bail application today (Sunday), as bail applications at the High Court are presented in writing. He said after the application has been written, the prosecution is then given time to go through it and the court then looks at the merits and demerits of that application.
Prison authorities refusing to accept suspects - prosecutor
MBABANE – Correctional Services authorities are said to be refusing to accept suspects on Sundays.
This was disclosed by Prosecutor Phumlani Dlamini who was appearing for the state in the matter of Zonke Tradewell Dlamini who is alleged to have petrol bombed two houses in the Shiselweni region.
Dlamini told Justice Nkululeko Hlophe who was presiding over the matter that prison authorities were refusing to accept suspects who are brought in this manner, especially on Sundays.
"I apply that this court issues an order directing the Commissioner of Correctional Services to allow the accused person to be kept at Sidvwashini Correctional facility pending his committal," he said.
Judge Hlophe then issued an Order to the effect that the commissioner should accept or take into custody at the correctional facility the accused person who is on remand pending his committal.
The late Sipho Jele who was also a member of the proscribed entity was accepted at the Sidvwashini Correctional on Sunday and was later reported to have died after allegedly hanging himself.
High Commissioner
As the world focuses on football in South Africa, the neighboring Kingdom of Swaziland appears to be moving to a state of civil war!
Recently political activist Sipho Jele was killed in prison in early May - government has still not provided the autopsy report. Political activist Alex Langwenya's home was bombed this past week and last week many political activists were being rounded up.
Now activist Zonke Dlamini has been arrested, taken to Court on Sunday June 13 and sent to the Sidvwashini Correctional - "Sipho Jele who was also...accepted at the Sidvwashini Correctional on Sunday [May 2] and was later reported to have died after allegedly hanging himself" by using a blanket in a wash room where there are no rafters. These type of "suicides" were common during the apartheid era and still occur in the absolute monarchy of Swaziland.
We fear for Zonke's life!
And therefore request that you immediately contact your Swazi counterpart to convey our concern about Zonke's unusual imprisonment. If he should happen to "commit suicide" the country, I fear, will explode as workers, students, unions and ordinary citizens have been pushed to a very dangerous precipice.
Canada and the Commonwealth are overlooking this catastrophe but it will not be enough to report the deaths after the fact.
Sincerely,
Edna Hepry
Saint John, NB, Canada
The following is from the Times of Swaziland: http://www.times.co.sz/?month=6&day=14&year=2010
SWAYOCO member arrested
By MBONGISENI NDZIMANDZE on June 14,2010
MBABANE- A member of the proscribed Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO) has been arrested in connection with the bombing of houses belonging to Police PRO Vusi Masuku and Mtsambama MP Bheki Mkhonta.
Zonke Thokozani Tradewell Dlamini, 37, of Ekwendzeni under Chief Makhosikhosi yesterday appeared before High Court Judge Nkululeko Hlophe who remanded him back to custody until Friday.
He was arrested on Friday by Nhlangano police in conjunction with officers from Lukhozi Serious Crimes Unit.
The matter which was heard in the morning yesterday was attended by a contingent of police officers and the public gallery was empty. The accused had to spend more than an hour in a police vehicle while waiting for the arrival of the judge.
Dlamini was handcuffed when he arrived at the High Court and was escorted by plain-clothed police officers.
The handcuffs were removed when he was about to enter the courtroom where the case was heard.
When he arrived at the High Court, he was driven in a kombi with private registration numbers, but was later put into a white police van where he spent more than an hour before being taken to court.
The accused has since been slapped with two counts of contravening the Terrorism Act No: 3 of 2008.
When his right of legal representation was explained to him Dlamini first told the court that he would conduct his own defence, but after the charge sheet was read to him changed his mind saying what was written was too technical. "My lord, for today, I will conduct my own defence, but I will seek the services of an attorney during the commencement of the trial as what has been read to me is too technical to understand," he said. Appearing for the crown in this matter was Phumlani Dlamini. Interpreting was Registrar of the High Court Mpendulo Simelane.
Our member denied right of legal representation - Wandile
MBABANE - President of the proscribed Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO) Wandile Dludlu alleges that their member was denied his right of legal representation by the police.
He said ever since his arrest on Friday, Zonke Tradewell Dlamini was interrogated by the police and they further refused their attorney to see him. He said the police when asked further denied that the accused person had been arrested while knowing very well that he was in custody.
"We cannot disown him now as we believe that a person is innocent until proven guilty. Our members were not even aware that he was due to appear before court today (Sunday). Dlamini has been deprived his constitutional right of legal representation by the police and we believe this is uncalled for," he said.
Dludlu said they were not supporting the recent bombings but believed that a person was presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
Deputy Police PRO Assistant Superintendent Wendy Hleta said in their Nhlangano records, they did not have anyone by the name of the suspect.
"I would presume these people went to the wrong station," she said.
Suspect cannot move bail application
MBABANE- The suspect in the two bombing incidents in the Shiselweni region was yesterday told that he could not move a bail application.
The judge told him that it would be impossible for him to move a bail application today (Sunday), as bail applications at the High Court are presented in writing. He said after the application has been written, the prosecution is then given time to go through it and the court then looks at the merits and demerits of that application.
Prison authorities refusing to accept suspects - prosecutor
MBABANE – Correctional Services authorities are said to be refusing to accept suspects on Sundays.
This was disclosed by Prosecutor Phumlani Dlamini who was appearing for the state in the matter of Zonke Tradewell Dlamini who is alleged to have petrol bombed two houses in the Shiselweni region.
Dlamini told Justice Nkululeko Hlophe who was presiding over the matter that prison authorities were refusing to accept suspects who are brought in this manner, especially on Sundays.
"I apply that this court issues an order directing the Commissioner of Correctional Services to allow the accused person to be kept at Sidvwashini Correctional facility pending his committal," he said.
Judge Hlophe then issued an Order to the effect that the commissioner should accept or take into custody at the correctional facility the accused person who is on remand pending his committal.
The late Sipho Jele who was also a member of the proscribed entity was accepted at the Sidvwashini Correctional on Sunday and was later reported to have died after allegedly hanging himself.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Murdered for wearing a t-shirt!
On May 1 Sipho Jele wore a People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) t-shirt to the workers' gathering in Manzini, Swaziland and he was arrested for doing so.
Two days later, police went to Sipho's home to notify his family that he had "committed suicide"!
In other words, wearing a t-shirt of a banned organisation means "suicide" in Swaziland; this tactic was commonly used by the apartheid government during the liberation struggle in South Africa.
The police then tried to rush the family to have a funeral so that an autopsy would not be performed but the family withstood the pressure. Next they were threatened that Sipho could not be buried in the country since he was a political activist!
A court order was sought and it was settled that the burial could go ahead but on Sunday May 16th between 400 - 500 police officers showed up at to the funeral and disrupted the proceedings.
One week later, the body or Sipho was eventually laid to rest.
We do not have a Swazi representative in Canada but should not remain silent.
Below is a link to the website of Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) based in London - it has an email letter which is forwarded to the Swazi High Commissioner of the UK.
Thanks for adding your voice.
See
Email the Swaziland High Commission
or
For more detailed information on this recent tragedy see:
Sipho Jele
Two days later, police went to Sipho's home to notify his family that he had "committed suicide"!
In other words, wearing a t-shirt of a banned organisation means "suicide" in Swaziland; this tactic was commonly used by the apartheid government during the liberation struggle in South Africa.
The police then tried to rush the family to have a funeral so that an autopsy would not be performed but the family withstood the pressure. Next they were threatened that Sipho could not be buried in the country since he was a political activist!
A court order was sought and it was settled that the burial could go ahead but on Sunday May 16th between 400 - 500 police officers showed up at to the funeral and disrupted the proceedings.
One week later, the body or Sipho was eventually laid to rest.
We do not have a Swazi representative in Canada but should not remain silent.
Below is a link to the website of Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) based in London - it has an email letter which is forwarded to the Swazi High Commissioner of the UK.
Thanks for adding your voice.
See
Email the Swaziland High Commission
or
http://www.actsa.org/page-1223-Swaziland.html
For more detailed information on this recent tragedy see:
Sipho Jele
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Political activist Sipho Jele killed for wearing a t-shirt in Swaziland
The note below is a sample of a letter you can send to Canadian politicians who are part of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association meeting this weekend in Swaziland. The note is addressed to three Canadians who are attending but it can be copied to all other members as well; addresses are below.
************************************************
Ms Casey, Mr Hickes and Mr Preston
As a Canadian who has today learned that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is currently meeting in Swaziland, I am shocked that Canada and the Commonwealth overlook the lack of democracy and human rights abuses in that country. I am appalled that Canada and the Commonwealth continue to be complacent in dealing with an absolute monarch and its "unique democracy".
On recent example of the "unique democracy" in Swaziland occurred this week; it is in new reports that a political activist was murdered in prison and then a scenario was made to look as if he killed himself. Sipho Jele was a political activist who was beat and tortured by police while in jail in early 2006 and became partially deaf because he had damage to one of his ears. Now he was been tortured to death for having worn a People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) t-shirt to the workers' May 1st celebration - in Swaziland political parties are banned. This is what democracy looks like in Swaziland - it looks like blood!
Friday's May 6th Times of Swaziland has reported the the PM requested an inquest into the death of Sipho Jele but this is simply window dressing and hoping to cover up an "embarrassing" situation while foreign diplomats are present. There is a long list of "royal police" killings and the inquests never lead to a perpetrator. Inquests are as fake as the democracy in that country!
Why does Canada continually overlook the lack of democracy in Swaziland? In this case, our "Commonwealth" ignores our "Commonpoverty"
It seems Commonwealth documents, such as the 1991 Harare Declaration, are not worth the paper they are written on because governments are not held accountable. I often wonder why Zimbabwe it pointed out as a rogue nation while the Kingdom of Swaziland is ignored. Can you please explain this?
Can you explain these double standard and why the basic principles of democracy are not upheld?
Can you explain the hypocrisy of Commonwealth Parliamentarians who decide to meet in such an undemocratic country?
As a Canadian I as requesting that you research the recent murder of Sipho Jele and make the Swazi regime accountable. Everything I have mentioned in this note is public information which can be found through the Swazi newspapers online (www.times.co.sz).
Additionally, the PUDEMO website (www.pudemo.org) can provide more that two decades of material on the lack of democracy in Swaziland.
Name
City & country
*********************************************
To: kmcasey@gov.pe.ca, speaker@leg.gov.mb.ca, prestj@parl.gc.ca
Cc: sna@parliament.go.ke, cpa@parliament.uk, shafieapdal@heritage.gov.my, root@bidhan.wn.nic.in, kashmalatariq@hotmail.com, ljiyane@parliament.gov.za, jobndugai@hotmail.com, daysnweeks@realnet.co.sz, sada@yahoo.com, ancm@cm.refer.org, speakernwfp@yahoo.com, sangshod@citechco.net, john.pandazopoulos@parliament.vic.gov.au, michael.polley@parliament.tas.gov.au, pro@aph.gov.au, alun.cairns@wales.gov.uk, met@gibraltar.gov.gi, keith_flax@hotmail.com, h.ramkarran@cameronandshepherd.com, unchoudhary@gmail.com, assamlegislative@sify.com, celsus.talifilu@parliament.gov.sb, tetauat@gmail.com, legislative.premier@mail.gov.nu, chee.chongyu@sabah.gov.my, maliki_osman@mnd.gov.sg, rkiandee@parlimen.gov.my
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Sept 6 SD
Today marks the 41st anniversary of Swaziland's Independence.
As early as 1922 King Sobhuza II travelled to Britain to claim that Swazi lands had been illegally taken. In January of 1923, Sobhuza II and his advisers (including Pixley kaI Seme, co-founder of the ANC and ANC President 1930-1936) met King George V and the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Their pleas were rejected.
Sobhuza II then tried a different route in 1924 when he undertook a legal case that challenged the legitimacy of the concessions granted during his grandfather's reign. Sobhuza II vs. Miller (1924-1926) proved unsuccessful as was the appeal to the Privy Council of London in April 1926.
It would not be until well after World War II that Swaziland would eventually become independent and Sobhuza II would then outwit his foreign rivals.
Britain had begun losing her colonies in the 1950s as their "Gold Coast" became Ghana. With that event a rippling effect would soon follow and by 1960 British Prime Minister Macmillan spoke of the "winds of change" sweeping Africa. That year Swaziland and Britain began talks and negotiations of how the "new" Swaziland would operate.
The Constitution of a new, independent and free Swaziland only lasted a few years after Independence Day of Sept 6, 1968. On April 12th, 1973 Sobhuza II infamous "Decrees" closed parliament, banned political parties, nullified the Constitution and he assumed "supreme authority".
So for many in Swaziland, this day of Independence is perhaps a meaningless day. When we ask how this nominal "independence" truly benefits the people we wonder what this day actually symbolizes. Is it real?
With Independence, Ghana for example allowed for free education with free textbooks. In Swaziland, 41 years after Independence, this is still not the case.
One of the major questions around the time of decolonization was which path these "new countries" would choose - socialist or capitalist. Claude Ake, a Nigerian writer asked the same thing in 1969 but reminded the reader there is also a third way - fascism.
Recent news articles from Swaziland:
As early as 1922 King Sobhuza II travelled to Britain to claim that Swazi lands had been illegally taken. In January of 1923, Sobhuza II and his advisers (including Pixley kaI Seme, co-founder of the ANC and ANC President 1930-1936) met King George V and the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Their pleas were rejected.
Sobhuza II then tried a different route in 1924 when he undertook a legal case that challenged the legitimacy of the concessions granted during his grandfather's reign. Sobhuza II vs. Miller (1924-1926) proved unsuccessful as was the appeal to the Privy Council of London in April 1926.
It would not be until well after World War II that Swaziland would eventually become independent and Sobhuza II would then outwit his foreign rivals.
Britain had begun losing her colonies in the 1950s as their "Gold Coast" became Ghana. With that event a rippling effect would soon follow and by 1960 British Prime Minister Macmillan spoke of the "winds of change" sweeping Africa. That year Swaziland and Britain began talks and negotiations of how the "new" Swaziland would operate.
The Constitution of a new, independent and free Swaziland only lasted a few years after Independence Day of Sept 6, 1968. On April 12th, 1973 Sobhuza II infamous "Decrees" closed parliament, banned political parties, nullified the Constitution and he assumed "supreme authority".
So for many in Swaziland, this day of Independence is perhaps a meaningless day. When we ask how this nominal "independence" truly benefits the people we wonder what this day actually symbolizes. Is it real?
With Independence, Ghana for example allowed for free education with free textbooks. In Swaziland, 41 years after Independence, this is still not the case.
One of the major questions around the time of decolonization was which path these "new countries" would choose - socialist or capitalist. Claude Ake, a Nigerian writer asked the same thing in 1969 but reminded the reader there is also a third way - fascism.
Recent news articles from Swaziland:
COSATU blockade is on today Sept 4, 2009
Mswati raids treasury for wives’ R50m (5-6million) spree Aug 23, 2009
'SA taxpayers footing Swazi shopping spree' Aug 22, 2009
Govt spends E63m ($9million) on cars in three months Aug 18, 2009
Ministers’ monthly salaries now E40 000 ($4500) Aug 17, 2009
'I am not bitter’, says Mario Masuku Aug 16, 2009
Mugabe’s govt requests loan from SD Aug 15, 2009
Truck-Stop Girls Aug 18, 2009
Japan’s E20m for Swazi health Aug 6, 2009
Third case of swine flu confirmed in SD Aug 4, 2009
For more news on Swaziland see:
http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/CURRENT+NEWS
Info Compiled by T Debly
Sunday, June 21, 2009
June21SD09
Swazi Update
Since our last newsletter at the end of March, the Swazi regime continues to intensify its oppression in the nation. While it wants to fire any civil servant with political opinions, imprison all who criticize or oppose the elite ruling class, and ignores the needs of the nation, the draconian fist continues to pound.
The health crisis, education crisis, and economic crisis all stem from the fundamental political crisis in the country. Nothing can or will be resolved as the king behaves like a cornered rat who viciously attacks his "subjects". Negotiations with the people can be the only viable path. And Canada, as a member of the Commonwealth (like SD) should be saying so.
The question of Swaziland needing a "second independence" is at hand. The colonial independence of 1968 simply allowed another elite, an indigenous one, to rule and exploit the people; but there comes a time when people will say, "No, our self-preservation is more important than a palace. We refuse to be anyone's 'subject'. We want democracy and the people shall govern."
Here are some recent news items from Swaziland which highlight the general atmosphere in the country:
No more funerals! June 21, 2009
‘SAPPI to close down’ June 21, 2009
Obama gives SD 90 days June 20, 2009
US expands human trafficking watchlist and includes Swazland June 17, 2009
Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko arrested June 4, 2009
Politically aligned civil servants in for a shock June 2, 2009
If you are so inclined, write to Foreign Affairs and ask what our government representative in Pretoria is saying to Swaziland. Specifically mention the arrest of human rights lawyers Thulani Maseko and the continued incarceration of Mario Masuku, political activists and President of the People's United Democratic Movement, PUDEMO. Send an email to Claus Spoerel - the political officer for Swaziland. claus.spoerel@international.gc.ca
Our American friends can try this email and let me know what reply they receive.
For more information on Swaziland see:
Since our last newsletter at the end of March, the Swazi regime continues to intensify its oppression in the nation. While it wants to fire any civil servant with political opinions, imprison all who criticize or oppose the elite ruling class, and ignores the needs of the nation, the draconian fist continues to pound.
The health crisis, education crisis, and economic crisis all stem from the fundamental political crisis in the country. Nothing can or will be resolved as the king behaves like a cornered rat who viciously attacks his "subjects". Negotiations with the people can be the only viable path. And Canada, as a member of the Commonwealth (like SD) should be saying so.
The question of Swaziland needing a "second independence" is at hand. The colonial independence of 1968 simply allowed another elite, an indigenous one, to rule and exploit the people; but there comes a time when people will say, "No, our self-preservation is more important than a palace. We refuse to be anyone's 'subject'. We want democracy and the people shall govern."
Here are some recent news items from Swaziland which highlight the general atmosphere in the country:
No more funerals! June 21, 2009
‘SAPPI to close down’ June 21, 2009
Obama gives SD 90 days June 20, 2009
US expands human trafficking watchlist and includes Swazland June 17, 2009
Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko arrested June 4, 2009
Politically aligned civil servants in for a shock June 2, 2009
If you are so inclined, write to Foreign Affairs and ask what our government representative in Pretoria is saying to Swaziland. Specifically mention the arrest of human rights lawyers Thulani Maseko and the continued incarceration of Mario Masuku, political activists and President of the People's United Democratic Movement, PUDEMO. Send an email to Claus Spoerel - the political officer for Swaziland. claus.spoerel@international.gc.ca
Our American friends can try this email and let me know what reply they receive.
For more information on Swaziland see:
Monday, March 30, 2009
Mar 30 SD 09
Here are a few of the main headlines from Swaziland over this past month. Do you notice a pattern with finances?
8.7% raise for ministers Mar 2, 2009
E10 million for Defence minister Mar 3, 2009
Close to E20m was spent on 40-40 transport Mar 7, 2009
Over E100 million for Royal Residences Mar 7, 2009
Obama’s E300m ‘gift’ to Swaziland Mar 9, 2009
Taiwanese Embassy not an ATM- ‘Ambassador’ Mar 10, 2009
Political activist Civil servants in trouble Mar 10, 2009
King should have jet, says Bhutana Mar 17, 2009
Since Nov 15, political activist, Mario Masuku has been held in prison. Today, the note below came in from Swaziland. It would be greatly appreciated if you would write to the Prime Minister of Swaziland voicing your concerns over Mario's health and the lack of freedom in the country. A copy of your letter can also be sent to our Minister of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa (postage unnecessary). Thanks if you're able to do this.
by J.R.
*Mario suffers from diabetics and doctors have advised against going long periods without eating at least some small amount of food.
Prime Minister of Swaziland
8.7% raise for ministers Mar 2, 2009
E10 million for Defence minister Mar 3, 2009
Close to E20m was spent on 40-40 transport Mar 7, 2009
Over E100 million for Royal Residences Mar 7, 2009
Obama’s E300m ‘gift’ to Swaziland Mar 9, 2009
Taiwanese Embassy not an ATM- ‘Ambassador’ Mar 10, 2009
Political activist Civil servants in trouble Mar 10, 2009
King should have jet, says Bhutana Mar 17, 2009
Since Nov 15, political activist, Mario Masuku has been held in prison. Today, the note below came in from Swaziland. It would be greatly appreciated if you would write to the Prime Minister of Swaziland voicing your concerns over Mario's health and the lack of freedom in the country. A copy of your letter can also be sent to our Minister of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa (postage unnecessary). Thanks if you're able to do this.
Fraternal Greetings from President Masuku
I visited Cde Mario at Matsapha Maximum Security Prison yesterday March 29th and he requested me to pass his comradely greetings to all of you and to thank you for the untiring support and commitment to the struggle for democracy and a better life for all in Swaziland. Despite his ailing health, Cde Masuku is very determined and strong.
His condition requires that he must be seen by a medical specialist at least once a week but this is not the case. His diet is not monitored and he is not provided snacks between meals to deal with his medical condition.* He has constant blackouts as a result. He only sees a doctor once in a while. He has tooth problems and has requested to be seen by a dentist to no avail. He will not apply for bail because he is aware that the state uses bail to keep comrades in perpetual bondage outside prison.
"They will give me bail at an exorbitant fee with difficult conditions such as taking my passport and to report at the police station twice a week. They will not take the case to trial for many years making me a prisoner in the street. Let them try me and I'll prove my innocence in court. I haven't committed any offence but I have spoken for the rights of my people" Masuku said.
His condition requires that he must be seen by a medical specialist at least once a week but this is not the case. His diet is not monitored and he is not provided snacks between meals to deal with his medical condition.* He has constant blackouts as a result. He only sees a doctor once in a while. He has tooth problems and has requested to be seen by a dentist to no avail. He will not apply for bail because he is aware that the state uses bail to keep comrades in perpetual bondage outside prison.
"They will give me bail at an exorbitant fee with difficult conditions such as taking my passport and to report at the police station twice a week. They will not take the case to trial for many years making me a prisoner in the street. Let them try me and I'll prove my innocence in court. I haven't committed any offence but I have spoken for the rights of my people" Masuku said.
Masuku has made a call for Talks about Talks with the state. He has called upon the Government, SADC, AU and UN to support this process.
He also expressed concern about the prime Minister's statement that members of political organisations will be dismissed from public sector employment. Masuku called upon trade unions in Swaziland and the world to come to the support of the affected comrades. "This is an infringement of the freedom of association as a basic human right enshrined in the UN Universal Declaration of Rights" Masuku said.by J.R.
*Mario suffers from diabetics and doctors have advised against going long periods without eating at least some small amount of food.
Mr Barnabus Sibusiso Dlamini
P.O. BOX 395
Mbabane
Swaziland
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mr Lawrence CannonHouse of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
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