Responding to the latest developments in Eswatini, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa, Vongai Chikwanda, expresses concern about the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Suppression of Terrorism Act.
What are the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision?
- The decision upholds repressive legislation in Eswatini
- Significant threats to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly
- Frequent arbitrary arrests and prosecutions of dissenters
What is the background of the Suppression of Terrorism Act?
In 2008, the Act was passed following a bombing incident near the Lozitha Bridge in Eswatini. Subsequently, opposition parties and organizations were declared as terrorist entities in the country.
How has the government reacted to legal challenges?
- In 2016, several sections of the Act were declared unconstitutional
- The government appealed the decision and continued to use the Act to suppress dissent
- Opposition parliamentarians and media outlets have faced harassment and false accusations
Amidst ongoing concerns, the Supreme Court also upheld provisions of the 1938 Sedition and Subversive Activities Act, further raising human rights implications in Eswatini. The future of human rights in the country remains uncertain.
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Source: www.amnesty.org