22 August 2002
The South African Communist Party (SACP) congratulates Comrade Mario Masuku, the president of the People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), for his acquittal by the Swaziland High Court today. This acquittal is an opportunity for the Swazi government to take urgent steps to heed the voices for democracy and transformation in Swaziland. The Swazi government and its Courts will not succeed to sustain their autocratic power.
Comrade Masuku was charged with treason for speaking at a PUDEMO rally in September 2000 (in Manzini) and November 2000 (Mbabane) calling for the democratisation of Swaziland. He was a political prisoner detained by an autocratic regime which represses democratic organisations. Therefore his trial was not legitimate and is not founded on any principles which will stand scrutiny in a free and democratic society. The trial against Masuku was a trial against free speech, democracy and the will of the people of Swaziland.
The SACP also calls on the Swazi government to release other political prisoners in Swaziland. As the majority of the people of Swaziland demand, the Swaziland government must take meaningful steps for the democratisation of Swaziland. The SACP calls on the international community to condemn political detentions in Swaziland and to put pressure for the democratisation of Swaziland.
The SACP wishes Comrade Mario, his family and comrades strength and courage in the ongoing struggle for democracy in Swaziland. The 11th Congress of the SACP reaffirmed its ongoing solidarity with the people of Swaziland.
CONTACT
Mazibuko Kanyiso Jara (surname Jara)
Department of Media, Information and Publicity
South African Communist Party
Tel - 011 339 3621
Cell - 083 651 0271
Email - mazibuko@sacp.org.za