MBABANE: The Embassy of the United States(US) in the Kingdom of eSwatini,has issued a statement condemning the guilty verdict on incarcerated pro-democracy Members of Parliament(MPs) Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube.
The two MPs were found guilty by Judge Mumcy Dlamini on Thursday on politically motivated terrorism and sedition charges, they were arrested as per an order allegedly issued by King Mswati,an absolute Monarch.
Mswati controls the Executive, Judiciary and the Legislative arm of government,he appoints Judges.
“The U.S. Embassy is deeply disappointed by the June 1 guilty verdict for Members of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube. Due to the arrest, long detention, and now guilty verdict, these elected representatives are prevented from representing the voices of their constituents. We call on the Government of Eswatini to exercise transparency in judicial processes and protect the rule of law and human rights. All Emaswati must have equal protection under the law, including those voice dissent or call for nonviolent reform,” reads the statement released by the US Embassy on Thursday.
On another note, Senator Christopher Cooms,the Chairperson of the US Congress Committee on Foreign Relations,recently tabled a resolution that seeks to, among others, impose sanctions on individuals violating human rights in eSwatini.
US Embassy eSwatini Chargé ď Affaires Earl Miller