Pro-reform MPs jailed

The sentencing in eSwatini of two former MPs to lengthy prison terms on charges of terrorism marks a significant escalation in the tensions between the monarchy and those advocating for democratic reform in the country a Voice of America report says. Human rights groups condemned the convictions, saying the court decision raises questions about human rights and political repression. Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were sentenced to prison terms of 25 and 18 years respectively. The two were arrested in July 2021 during pro-democracy protests that were violently put down by security forces, leaving dozens of people dead. Demonstrators were pressing for reforms to a complex system of non-party elections that ensured eSwatini’s ruler, King Mswat III faced no meaningful dissent. Amnesty International urged eSwatini authorities to immediately quash what it called ‘the unjust and baseless convictions and sentences of the former MPs.’ Alpheous Nxumalo, a spokesperson for the eSwatini Government, said the convictions were ‘discharged through the provisions of the law, which guarantees the rights of each and everyone who has been sentenced to appeal to a higher court.’ He added that eSwatini’s international partners and friends should respect the country’s sovereignty and rule of law. Political analyst Sibusiso Nhlabatsi sees the sentences as a major setback for democracy and human rights in the countryi. She said the sentences are a classic example of ‘guilty until proven innocent,’ with mere allegations being enough to secure a conviction. A lawyer for the two former MPs said they plan to appeal their sentences.