SUPPRESSION OF FREE SPEECH UNACCEPTABLE – US EMBASSY

MANZINI – The United States of America Embassy in Eswatini says the suppression of the right of individuals – including Members of Parliament (MPs) – to freely express their opinions is unacceptable.

The US Embassy, through a statement posted on its social media pages, said it was deeply troubled by the arrest of the two legislators – Hosea Constituency MP Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Ngwempisi Constituency MP Mthandeni Dube. The embassy said the people of Eswatini had a constitutional right to be heard through, and represented by, their own freely chosen representatives in Parliament. “We call on the authorities to exercise transparency in the application of law and to respect and protect human rights, despite political differences,” the statement read.

Dialogue

The embassy said it would continue to engage contacts at all levels of government and across civil society. Furthermore, they reiterated their call for an honest, constructive dialogue with all stakeholders. The emphasis on the call for an honest, constructive dialogue with all stakeholders  is subsequent to a joint statement published by the European Union (EU), United States and United Kingdom missions. Meanwhile, minutes after posting the statement by the US Embassy yesterday, some members of the public said the time for releasing statements was over. They said it was clear that Eswatini Government was not willing to cooperate. Another Facebook user appreciated the embassy’s concern over this matter. The user further said talking alone would not make a difference and said it was time for the people to seek intervention of  the US Government in this matter.

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