Wednesday, May 23, 2012

‘TIMES’ MISLEADS ON KING’S LONDON VISIT

The Times of Swaziland has censored itself again while reporting the Swazi Royal Family. 

The Times, the only independent daily newspaper in the kingdom, reports today (23 May 2012) that Inkhosikati LaMbikiza, the first wife of King Mswati III (he has 13), had ‘rave reviews for her dress sense’ when the couple visited London last week to attend dinner with Queen Elizabeth II to mark her Diamond Jubilee.

It quoted the Daily Mail newspaper in the UK saying, LaMbikiza had a ‘rather eye-catching pair of Pearly Queen-style shoes with feathery pom-poms on the toes and heels.

‘The shoes were trimmed with jewels, sequins and feathers. She also wore a black and white spotted dress with feathery trimmings and it matched perfectly with her shoes and a grey clutch bag.’

But what the Times did not say was that the Daily Mail has also been reporting,  ‘Guests from controversial regimes include Swaziland’s King Mswati III, who has been accused of living an obscenely lavish lifestyle while many of his people starve.’

News media across the world have been reporting that King Mswati, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch, was dogged by protests during his short visit to London.

Demonstrators picketed him on two separate occasions at the Savoy Hotel, where he was staying in rooms reported to cost £400 (US$630) per night.

Protestors also were waiting for him outside Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s residence when he visited her and there was also a vigil outside the Swazi High Commission.

See also
SWAZI CENSORSHIP ON KING’S UK TRIP
LONDON PROTEST TO GREET SWAZI KING

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