The Swaziland magazine editor Bheki Makhubu, jailed
for two years for writing
articles critical of Swazi judges, is to appeal against his sentence.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa reported, ‘Many local and international observers condemned the sentence of Makhubu and his co-accused Thulani Maseko, saying that the trial highlighted the crumbling state of free speech while raising more questions over the independence of the justice system.’
The Nation magazine and the Swaziland Independent Publishers (PTY) Ltd, which were also found guilty on two counts of contempt of court and sentenced to a fine of E50,000 (US$5,000) on each count, are also to appeal sentence.
In his appeal statement Makhubu said the sentence had stifled ‘vibrant journalism’ in Swaziland.
Broadcast media are almost entirely state-controlled and censorship is endemic.
In his
appeal, Makhubu said
Judge Simelane’s sentence was ‘so harsh that it has the effect of
discouraging critical and vibrant journalism in this country’.
In his judgement at the High
Court, Judge
Simelane had said, ‘No one, I repeat, has
a right to write scurrilous articles in the manner the Accused persons
did. Such conduct destroys public
confidence in the Courts, without which this country cannot function
effectively. The Courts hence have to use the very ammunition of Contempt of
Court in self-protection from journalists like the Accused persons.’
JOURNALISTS
JAILED TO DETER OTHERS
US BACKS
CONVICTED SWAZI JOURNALISTS
JUDGE RESTRICTS PRESS FREEDOM
SUPPORT FOR CONVICTED JOURNALISTS
WHAT CONVICTED JOURNALISTS WROTE
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