[ad_1]
Turani Maseko, a human rights lawyer in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and a leading dissident, was shot dead in his home on Saturday night, his party said on Sunday, after the king said he was against his absolute rule opponents. I confirmed this a few hours after I delivered my protest speech.
Turani Maseko, 52, said: “Last night he was shot dead in his home by an unknown gunman. The assassin shot him through the window while he was at home with his family.” Opposition parties, associations and churches calling for democratic reform told AFP.
“Details are still lacking and they are not yet ready to speak because of the trauma inflicted on his family,” Dlamini said.
A bald-faced human rights lawyer has filed a lawsuit against King Mswati III, who renamed King Eswatini in a decree, claiming it was unconstitutional. In 2014, Maseko and The Nation monthly editor Beki Makbubu were jailed after criticizing judicial bias and lack of independence. rice field.
Thulani Maseko’s murder took place hours after the King said in a traditional ceremony: A noise to blame on King Mswati.
accusation
Last week, the opposition Swaziland Solidarity Network accused the king of hiring mercenaries, mostly white Africans from neighboring South Africa, to help security forces crush the growing opposition. A government spokesman, Alpheous Nxumalo, denied the accusations, stating: “No hitman was hired.
In a statement, the government expressed its “condolence” to the family of the murdered lawyer, calling his death a “national loss” and saying police were already “looking for the killers and will continue to do so until they are apprehended.” I promised that I would never rest.
The U.S. embassy in Mbabane expressed “deep sadness” and said “Eswatini has lost a powerful voice for non-violence and human rights” to “bereaved families (…) and his admirers around the world”. expressed condolences. “The shocking news that Turani Maseko was shot in cold blood is not surprising,” said Freedom Under Law, an association that advocates for the rights of southern Africa.
“A tenacious and fearless lawyer and an outspoken critic of the government,” he suffered greatly “at the hands of a ruthless regime.” “Don’t be fooled by the cynical messages of condolences being broadcast on behalf of the government,” the NGO added.
The European Union expressed “great concern” about the situation in the country and called on “the authorities to ensure the safety of all citizens, including political activists,” the statement said.
“This tragic loss follows a string of killings, arson attacks and other violence that has destabilized the country in recent months,” the EU said.
The small landlocked country of Eswatini has been ruled by King Mswati III since 1986. Mswati III has been criticized for his extravagant lifestyle and regularly accused of human rights violations.
The king, who can dissolve parliament and government and appoint or dismiss judges, also commands the police and the army. Political parties that are theoretically allowed cannot participate in elections. The next election is scheduled for this year.
[ad_2]
Source link
