Letter to Expressing Concern Over Rule of Law in Swaziland

SUMMARY

In a joint letter to the Minister of Justice of the Kingdom of Swaziland (“Swaziland”), the Committees on International Human Rights and African Affairs along with the Vance Center for International Justice expressed concern regarding the arrest and conviction of lawyer Thulani Maseko and editor Bheki Makhubu, and urged that Swaziland immediately release them from detention and drop all charges against them. The letter also urged that the necessary steps be taken to ensure all journalists and human rights defenders in Swaziland may carry out their legitimate activities without hindrance. The letter stressed the importance of respect for freedom of expression and other human rights in accordance with international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and all human rights instruments ratified or acceded to by Swaziland.