Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
Eswatini’s human rights record continues to deteriorate after the waves of protests that rocked the country in 2021. Justice remains elusive for those killed and injured by security forces during those protests. There has not been justice for human rights lawyer and opposition activist Thulani Maseko who was shot and killed in 2023. Instead, the Eswatini government, under the absolute rule of King Mswati III, has continued to weaponize the judicial system by imprisoning pro-democracy activists and overturning 2016 High Court decision that declared several repressive provisions of the 1938 Suppression of Terrorism Act and 2008 Sedition and Subversive Activities Act invalid.

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- January 16, 2025 News Release
Southern Africa: Growing Authoritarianism Threatens Rights
Attacks on Civic Space, Media Have Far-Reaching Implications

- August 16, 2024 Dispatches
Eswatini Supreme Court Rubber Stamps Repression
Uphold Rights to Freedom of Association, Expression, and Assembly

- July 18, 2024 Dispatches
Former Eswatini Parliamentarians Sentenced to Long Prison Terms
Misuse of the Criminal Justice System to Persecute Pro-Democracy Voices

- March 28, 2024 Dispatches
Eswatini Authorities Target Activist’s Widow
Stop Harassment, Ensure Independent Investigation into Maseko’s Killing

- January 19, 2024 Dispatches
No Justice for Murder of Eswatini Activist
Ensure Independent and Transparent Investigation, Stop Intimidation

- June 26, 2023 News Release
Eswatini: Still No Justice for 2021 Violence
Ensure Accountability, Establish All-Inclusive National Dialogue

- January 25, 2023 News Release
Eswatini: Activist, Rights Lawyer Brutally Killed
Conduct a Prompt, Impartial, Transparent Investigation

- November 2, 2021 News Release
Eswatini: No Justice for June Protester Killings
New Reports of Attacks by Security Forces

- October 21, 2021 Dispatches
Police Continue to Crack Down on Pro-Democracy Marches in Eswatini
Authorities Should Respect the Right to Peaceful Protest

- July 1, 2021 News Release
Eswatini: Respect Rights While Policing Protests
Security Forces Should Safeguard Citizens Against Violence

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