Swaziland rearrests editors critical of King Mswati III
1,274 views · Published 22 April 2014 · 2:51 · Indexed 12 November 2026
Channel: TimesLIVE Video · 2014 · News & Politics
In March 2014 the editor of Swaziland's THE NATION magazine, Bhekithemba Makhubu as well as prominent human rights lawyer, Thulani Maseko, were arrested for two articles published in February and March criticising Swaziland's chief justice, Michael Ramodibedi, and the lack of independence of the country's judiciary system. This is not the first time Makhubu has been reprimanded and jailed for the writing of articles that criticise the way the country is ruled by King Mswati III, the leader of Africa's last absolute monarchy. After being released for a short period on bail, the two were re-arrested on the 9th of April and are currently still being held in custody pending the setting of a court date. Makhubu was arrested in a police raid on his family's house earlier in the week of the 9th. This marks yet another instance of media clampdowns in the country which many media rights groups and forums (SANEF etc.) and political critics have called a draconian dictatorship with not a single free media channel and severe consequences for any media person daring to question the King and his government. Mswati III has further been criticised by various prominent civil society organisations for the country's poor human rights record since Mwati took over from his father as well as the the lavish lifestyle he enjoys while millions of Swazis face severe poverty.
