The controversial Suppression of Terrorism Act was passed by the Swaziland parliament in May 2008. Certain provisions of the Act empower the Prime Minister to declare virtually anyone or anything to be a terrorist entity. Lawyers have challenged the Act saying it violates fundamental rights of ordinary citizens protected under the constitution. Political activists and human rights defenders have apparently become persona non-grata, battered and/or arrested. The law has been described as vague in that it rendered even innocent undertakings to be susceptible to certification as terrorism.

On Friday 14th November 2008 Mario Masuku, the President of the outlawed political party People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), in Swaziland, was arrested on terrorism charges after state police raided his home. Mr. Masuku currenlty remains encarcerated.

 

ACTSA joins civil society and the trade union movement in Swaziland in condemning this repressive act as it further suppresses the basic rights of the Swazi people to freedom of expression and association.  ACTSA believes the Act, is being used to silence political dissent and declare political associations which are critical or opposed to government policies as terrorist.

 

Take action

Please act now by emailing the Swaziland High Commissioner to call for the release of Mario Masuku and repeal of this suppressive legislation. Email the High Commissioner