(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter to Minister of Information Mntonzima Dlamini, RSF protested the suspension of the weekly “Guardian” and the monthly “Nation”. “We ask that you reconsider this decision,” said Robert Ménard, the organisation’s secretary-general. “It is surprising that these two publications, known for their critical tone toward the authorities, are the only ones […]
(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter to Minister of Information Mntonzima Dlamini, RSF protested the suspension of the weekly “Guardian” and the monthly “Nation”. “We ask that you reconsider this decision,” said Robert Ménard, the organisation’s secretary-general. “It is surprising that these two publications, known for their critical tone toward the authorities, are the only ones to be punished under the 1963 Press Law,” he added.
According to information collected by RSF, the private weekly “Guardian” and the monthly “Nation” were suspended by order of the minister of information, on 4 and 7 May 2001, respectively. The authorities accuse the two publications of not paying a 1000 emalangeni (approx. US$124; 134 euros) tax necessary for the registration of a media outlet. The decision was taken in accordance with a 1963 law that governs the publication of books and newspapers in the country. The monthly “Nation” and the weekly “Guardian” recently criticised the authorities, notably Swazi King Mswati III, Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini and other members of the government.
