Africa-Press – Eswatini. Persecuted eSwatini pro-democracy Member of Parliament(MP) Mduduzi Gawzela Simelane has applauded the decision of the International Parliamentary Union(IPU) that declared his persecution and that of other two(2) other convicted Members of Parliament(MPs) Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube unlawful,the decision was subsequently adopted by the entire IPU Governing Council last month.
MPs Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were convicted on politically motivated terrorism charges while MP Mduduzi Simelane fled to exile and was subsequently granted asylum and protection by the Government of the United Kingdom(UK).
The IPU Governing Council,in its decision,concluded that civil disobedience does not,in any way,amounts to terrorism.
But the eSwatini Government through its Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo continued to make threats saying Simelane will eventually be apprehended, Nxumalo declined to comment on the latest developments.
Responding on Monday morning after the IPU decision, MP Mduduzi Gawzela Simelane noted that,the decision came after efforts by the eSwatini regime to send a delegation to the IPU with an intention to lie and justify their persecution.
“This latest decision by the IPU comes after frantic efforts by the regime as it sent a high-powered delegation to lie and misinform to the IPU and create a false narrative is the most decisive move I have personally seen from such reputable international body. The IPU captures a clear position on civil disobedience leaving the tinkhundla regime with an egg on their face; and this should be a rallying call to the ground forces within our country and all the international work done by the Mass Democratic Movement.The asylum and IPU developments are surely gigantic global statements against the tinkhundla regime. A bite from the United States Congress resolution and the EU Parliament resolution implementation are two major angles that will definitely squeeze the regime and give our struggle a giant leap.Other things cannot be preempted here as this is a struggle, all I can say is that kuyakhanya embili Emaswati must hold on as victory is certain. It is a matter of when not if”, said the persecuted eSwatini MP.
But the decision of the IPU comes amid gross violation of human rights in eSwatini,political parties are banned while political activists including human rights defenders, pro-democracy MPs and independent journalists who exercise their rights to freedom of expression by calling for democracy are arrested,tortured or even killed.
Eswatini is ruled by King Mswati as an absolute Monarch and is believed to have issued the order to arrest the pro-democracy MPs for challenging his authority, calling for an elected Prime Minister.
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