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The Right2Know Campaign condemns the Swaziland High Court’s judgment which found journalists Bheki Makhubu and Thulani Maseko guilty of “scandalising the judiciary”. This follows their arrest and detention in March this year after they wrote a series of articles critical of the Swazi judiciary.

The arrests led to widespread international outrage and prompted a protest by R2K campaign outside the Pretoria Headquarters of the Swaziland embassy to South Africa. Despite being released shortly thereafter, the journalists were rearrested and thrown into detention where they have been for the last 115 days.

Swaziland High Court Judge Mpendulo Simelane has now sentenced Makhubu and Maseko to two years in jail, without the option of a fine, and in his judgment he made it clear that he intended the sentence to serve as a deterrent to all journalists in the country against criticizing the state. Effectively this means that Swaziland’s premier journalists will not be allowed to practice their craft without fear of arbitrary sanctions. This forms part of the growing restrictions on free speech imposed by the Swazi government which has jailed journalists, harassed members of the opposition and silenced political dissent.

The consequences of this latest judgment for Swaziland’s media freedom and rule of law itself cannot be overstated. Undoubtedly it will chill whatever free speech remains in the country as the space for dialogue and engagement closes down.

The right to publish, assemble, speak and think are intricately linked and are central to democracy.

R2K calls on all South Africans, including members of Chapter 9 institutions, the South African judiciary, legal fraternity, workers unions and the government to pressure the Swazi government into honoring its obligations to protect human rights. The injustice of the charges against Bheki Makhubu and Thulani Maseko is a threat to justice for journalists across the region and the continent itself.

All are welcome to take part in the above mentioned picket! If you would like to take part please contact Bongani Xezwi: 073 904 1626.

Come wearing RED & BLACK.

For further comment contact:
R2K Gauteng provincial organiser: Bongani Xezwi (Cell: 073 904 1626; Email: bongani.xezwi@gmail.com)
Media Freedom & Diversity Spokesperson: Julie Reid (Cell: 082 885 8969)

www.r2k.org.za (Sign our statement)
www.facebook.com/Right2Know
Twitter: @r2kcampaign

Join the campaign - SMS 'TRUTH' and your name to 31332