Eswatini - Thulani Maseko and Bheki Makhubu imprisoned (2013)

Human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko and the Nation Magazine editor Bheki Makhubu were arrested on 17 March 2014 and 18 March 2014 respectively for writing articles about the circumstances surrounding the arrest of government vehicle inspector Bhantshana Gwebu and the integrity, impartiality and independence of the Swaziland judiciary. The legality of the arrest, detention and charges was successfully challenged before the High Court, resulting in their release from custody for two days. However, they were rearrested and detained when the State appealed the ruling and are therefore again in custody. While Thulani Maseko and Bheki Makhubu were charged with “contempt of court”, the judge convicted them to two years imprisonment instead of the ordinary 30-day sentence on 25 July 2014. Judge Mpendulo Simelane argued that “seriousness of their crimes, their moral blameworthiness and their lack of remorse or regret justify lengthy sentences of imprisonment”.

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