Press statement
9 January 2006

Appeal on recent arrests in Swaziland

On the occasion of the recent arrests of members of the democratic
opposition in Swaziland, and of the treason charges raised by the
prosecution, we wish to urge you to follow events very carefully.

According to our sources, those charged are: Mduduzi Mamba of Siphofaneni,
Themba Mabuza of Mbelebeleni, Vusi Shongwe of Sidzakeni, Goodwill du-Pont
of Matsetsa, Sicelo Mkhonta of Matsetsa, Kenneth Mkhonta of Nkwalini,
Mfanawenkhosi Mtshali of Gobholo, Sipho Jele of Mshikishiki, Mfanufikile
Nkambule of Nkwalini, Robert Nzima of Makholokholo, Mduduzi Dlamini of
Mhlosheni and Sipho Hlophe of Gobholo (12).

Reports of mistreatment of those arrested have already emerged. The death
through police violence of the wife of one of the detainees has been
confirmed. Members of the police also sought to interrupt a prayer meeting
in connection with her funeral.

The most recent development is the arrest of the secretary-general of the
People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Ignatius Bonginkosi Dlamini.

It must be feared that the Swaziland royal government is intent on
crushing all democratic opposition within the country. The absence of an
independent judiciary must render any expectation of a fair trial illusory.

The accused are in need of legal support, of international participation
in coming legal proceedings, and of such media publicity as will prevent
further violation of human rights by the Swazi royal government.

International vigilance is now more necessary than ever. Our organisation
can, if so wished, be helpful in enabling contact to relevant individuals
and associations in Swaziland.

Yours sincerely,
Patrick Mac Manus
Southern Africa Contact (Denmark)
Phone: (+45) 35 35 92 32 (SAC) or Mobile: (+45) 22 45 41 78


The following organisations and institutions have also received above
appeal:

International Commission of Jurists
Human Rights Watch
Amnesty International
Interchurch ICCO (Netherlands)
European Parliament
International Red Cross
Commonwealh Human Rights Initiative
International Alert
International Bar Association
South African Parliament (Foreign Affairs)
House of Commons (UK, Foreign Affairs)
Africa Action (USA)


For more infomation on arrests see Swaziland Newsletter 27
at http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/SAK-Swazinewsletter


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