Swaziland’s terror act declared unconstitutional

MBABANE: Swaziland’s Suppression of Terrorism Act, which has been used by the government to ban political groups opposing King Mswati’s rule, has been declared unconstitutional by the country’s High Court.

A full bench of the court ruled the act null and void, opening the door to the possibility that proscribed pro-democracy groups may openly operate in the monarchy.

“The respondents have been found woefully wanting,” said Judge Mbutfo Mamba in summation of government attempts to justify a law that curbs basic freedoms such as assembly and speech.

Lawyer Thulani Maseko, who recently spent 16 months in prison for criticising the government, brought the case to court along with Mario Masuku, president of the People’s United Democratic Movement. – ANA