(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – ARTICLE 19 has expressed its deep concern at the news that Bheki Makhubu, editor of the “Times Sunday” newspaper, has been forced to resign from his post. It seems clear that this development is a direct result of the political pressure which has been exerted on the newspaper’s management by the government […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – ARTICLE 19 has expressed its deep concern at the news
that Bheki Makhubu, editor of the “Times Sunday” newspaper, has been forced
to resign from his post. It seems clear that this development is a direct
result of the political pressure which has been exerted on the newspaper’s
management by the government and its supporters. ARTICLE 19 is concerned
that the dismissal of Bheki Makhubu will have a further “chilling effect” on
freedom of expression in Swaziland, in a context where journalists have long
been forced to engage in forms of self-censorship in order to avoid
harassment and intimidation by the authorities.
**Updates IFEX alerts of 21 September and 17 September 1999**
With regard to the proposed defamation bill, ARTICLE 19 has repeated its
call for extensive and genuine public consultation of any draft which is
produced. A brief parliamentary debate, followed by immediate passage into
law, will not suffice on an issue which impacts directly on one of the most
fundamental freedoms one possesses: the right to freedom of expression.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
resign
from his post
draft of the defamation bill
Appeals To
Hon Sibusiso Dlamini
Prime Minister
Office of the Prime Minister
PO Box 395
Mbabane, Swaziland
Fax: +268 40 43943 / 268 40 45379
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
