from SAMBULO DLAMINI in Mbabane, Eswatini
Eswatini Bureau
MBABANE, (CAJ News) – AMNESTY International has condemned Eswatini’s continued detention of opposition members of parliament (MPs) Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza, calling him and fellow MP Mthandeni Dube prisoners of conscience.
The human rights group criticized the persistent delay in hearing Mabuza’s appeal, which has been excluded from the Supreme Court roll three times despite all necessary documents being properly submitted.
Amnesty says the delay reflects broader concerns about judicial independence in Eswatini.
“This undermines Mabuza’s right to access justice,” said Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
“The courts are failing to protect human rights and uphold the rule of law,” Chikwanda said.
Mabuza and Dube were arrested following the 2021 pro-democracy protests and convicted in 2023 of terrorism, sedition, and murder.
They were sentenced in July 2024 to 85 and 58 years respectively under laws widely criticized for suppressing dissent.
Amnesty is urging Eswatini’s authorities to end political interference in the judiciary and respect fair trial rights.
– CAJ News