Police and court officials in Swaziland have been caught on the hop by the support given to the magazine editor and human rights lawyer presently in jail awaiting trial on charges arising from criticisms they made of the judiciary in the kingdom.
At the latest hearing in the Swazi High Court, relatives and supporters of Nation magazine editor Bheki Makhubu and lawyer Thulani Maseko were denied entry into the courtroom.
The two men have made anumber of appearances at the High Court since they were charged with Contempt of Court on 18 March 2014. At each appearance the courtroom has been packed with their supporters.
On Monday (14 April 2014), at the latest hearing, court authorities moved the session to the smallest court in the building, even though larger ones were available. This meant that many people who wanted to attend the hearing could not.
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