The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) has issued a statement condemning the conviction and sentencing in Swaziland of Bheki Makhubu, editor of The Nation magazine, on charges of “scandalising the court”.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) has issued a statement condemning the conviction and sentencing in Swaziland of Bheki Makhubu, editor of The Nation magazine, on charges of “scandalising the court”.
Makhubu was sentenced to two years in jail, or a R200 000 fine, after contempt charges were brought against him by Swaziland's Attorney General Majahe-nkhaba Dlamini, over two articles dealing with the attitude of judges, including the Chief Justice, to the constitution.
The Sanef statement says the use of contempt charges to silence legitimate scrutiny of judicial conduct and attitudes “will do nothing to secure the dignity and credibility of Swaziland's courts”.
Instead such charges will do precisely the opposite because this judgement is more likely to engender doubt, criticism, and suspicion of Swaziland's courts rather than create respect.
Sanef committed itself to working with other regional and local organisations to support Makhubu.
It also urged the South African government and the African Union to more vigorously remind the Swazi authorities of the importance of a free press and open democratic environment.
