15 July, 2024
It is with grave concern and deep dismay that we, the Lawyers for Democratic Reform in Swaziland (LAW-DERSWA), address the clandestine and undemocratic sentencing of former Members of Parliament Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube. Scheduled for today, July 15, 2024, at 3:00 PM, this sentencing has been shrouded in secrecy, raising serious questions about the integrity and transparency of the judicial process in Eswatini.
The covert nature of this sentencing underscores the continuing erosion of democratic principles and the rule of law in our nation. It is a blatant affront to the fundamental rights of the accused, who have been denied a fair and open trial. The lack of transparency not only undermines the judiciary but also erodes public trust in our legal and political institutions.
We unequivocally condemn this secretive approach and the apparent manipulation of the judicial process to silence political dissent. Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube have been steadfast advocates for the rights and freedoms of all Emaswati, and their treatment is a stark reminder of the perilous state of democracy in our country.
LAW-DERSWA calls upon the government of Eswatini to:
1. Ensure Transparency: Immediately make public the details of the sentencing proceedings, allowing for media coverage and public scrutiny to ensure fairness and justice.
2. Uphold Judicial Integrity: Guarantee that all judicial processes adhere to the principles of transparency, impartiality and respect for human rights.
3. Release Political Prisoners: End the unjust detention of all political prisoners, including Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube and cease the persecution of those who advocate for democratic reform.
4. Engage in Dialogue: Commit to genuine and inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders to address the underlying political and social issues facing our nation.
The international community, including regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), must also take a firm stance against these undemocratic practices. We urge them to exert pressure on the Eswatini government to respect human rights, uphold democratic principles and ensure the rule of law.
LAW-DERSWA remains steadfast in our commitment to advocating for justice, democracy, and the rule of law in Eswatini. We will continue to support Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, their families and all those who strive for a just and democratic Eswatini.
Issued by:
Lawyers for Democratic Reform in Swaziland (LAW-DERSWA)