The European Union Ambassador to Swaziland Nicole Bellomo and the US Ambassador to Swaziland Makila James both visited the High Court on Friday (4 April 2014) in solidarity with the magazine editor Bheki Makhubu and human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko who have been jailed on remand after writing articles critical of Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi and the Swazi judiciary.
The unprecedented show of solidarity was the latest turn of events in a saga that started on 17 March 2014 when both men were arrested and charged with contempt of court. Makhubu and Maseko were remanded in custody by CJ Ramodibedi, the man who was on the receiving end the writers' criticism in articles published in the Nation, a monthly comment magazine in Swaziland.
The decision to jail the two men took place behind closed doors and the men's lawyers were not present.
The jailings caused an international outcry, with human rights organisations calling for the two men to be freed immediately. Amnesty International has named Makhubu and Maseko 'prisoners of conscience'.
[view whole blog post
]
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
See More
Report Abuse