Swazi youth congress demands release of political prisoners

The Swaziland Youth Congress is to launch a campaign for the unconditional release of its President, Bheki Dlamini and other political prisoners on February 16. Bheki Dlamini is charged under the Swaziland Terrorism Act with planting petrol bombs in police officers and MP’s houses, a charge that he, SWAYOCO and the democratic movement in Swaziland deny. He has been in jail since June 2010.

“We remain convinced that these comrades are innocent, if anything they are guilty of demanding sustainable jobs for the youth, education for all and the unbanning of political parties. Their resistance and refusal to betray the people in the face of continued harassment, intimidation, isolation and incarceration makes us to fight with more vigor and renewed energy for their release,” SWAYOCO said in a National Excecutive meeting statement released Wednesday.

Bheki Dlamini charged with terrorism in Swaziland

Foundation for Socio-Economic Justice Volunteer, Bheki Dlamini 28, has been charged under Swaziland’s Suppression of Terrorism Act this morning in connection with the recent bombings in the country. Bheki Dlamini, who had been kept at an undisclosed location by police, was charged at Swaziland’s high court this afternoon.

According to a representative of the Swazi democratic movement the charges are ludicrous, as he claims that Dlamini could not possibly have committed the crimes he is charged with.