Swaziland – 13 June 2014

U.N. Experts Denounce Ongoing Detention and Trial of Human Rights Defenders in Swaziland
A group of independent United Nations experts today voiced serious concerns at the arrest, detention and prosecution of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko and the editor-in-chief of The Nation magazine, Bheki Makhubu, in Swaziland.
“We condemn the repeated arrests, detention and trial of Mr. Maseko and Mr. Makhubu and are concerned that these may be directly related to their legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of expression,” the experts said in a news release, noting that the country’s Constitution recognises the rights to freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial. allAfrica.com

Publisher and Editor Win Appeal for Charges of “Scandalising the Court” in Swaziland
On Friday, 30 May 2014, the Swaziland Independent Publishers and The Nation editor Bheki Makhubu won their appeal in the case in which they were charged with “scandalizing the court”.
The publishers of the magazine had been ordered to pay a fine of E200 000 (approx. US$18,700) and Makhubu was ordered to spend two years in prison if the fine was not paid within three days of the order. The sentence was based on comments made in The Nation by Makhubu about controversial Chief Justice Michael M. Ramodibedi in 2009 and 2010. allAfrica.com

Local Nigerians to hold ‘Bring Back our Girls’ march
THE Association of Nigerian National in Swaziland (ANNIS) will tomorrow stage a solidarity march to demand the release of the abducted Nigerian girls.
According to the association’s president Ibimie Jama, the peaceful march will be held through the streets of Mbabane commencing from the City Council at 8am until 2:30pm. The Swazi Observer