Tuesday, activists demonstrated outside the Parliament under the banner of the Right to Say No Campaign to demand justice for murdered attorney Thulani Maseko.
The campaigners demanded justice for Thulani Maseko and the establishment of democracy in Swaziland. In January of this year, Maseko was murdered at home in front of his children.
They held candles and signs reading “Mercenaries must leave Swaziland,” “Stop land dispossession,” and “Stop killing activists.”
Mathews Hlabana, the organizer of the Right to Know Campaign, stated that the number of activist deaths is startling.
“It is staggering how many of our activists were murdered for opposing transnational corporations and anti-democratic regimes in our region.”
“We cannot remain silent,” stated Hlabana.
Hlabana also demanded an end to repression in Swaziland and the release of political prisoners.
He stated, “We are committed to developing sustainable people’s alternatives and propose a popular socio-economic project that prioritizes people and the environment over greed, destruction, and profit.”
The leader of the Swaziland Rural Women’s Assembly, Cebile Dlamini, stated that [they] have lost their husbands and sisters.
“Every day, individuals die without the perpetrators being apprehended. No one is punished for the murders.” She stated that they are now in constant fear.
Dlamini asserts that “rural women” demand an inclusive debate.
“He battled for activist freedom, our land, and minerals. We wish you relaxation, Maseko. We are aware that we are also being pursued,” added another activist.
»CPT activists demand justice for Thulani Maseko«