During its Plenary Session in Strasbourg, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the immediate release of Swazi prisoners of conscience Thulani Maseko and Bheki Makhubu.
Mr Maseko, a lawyer working for the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland, was arrested and jailed after writing an article criticising the lack of independence of the judicial system in Swaziland. Mr Makhubu, editor of an independent newspaper, was also arrested following the publication of articles criticising the judicial system. The parliament resolution, which was put forward by the S&D Group, called for urgent action from the Swazi authorities to release both men. It also urged the EU to look at the current trade preferences given to Swaziland in relation to the on-going human rights abuses in the country.
Jude Kirton-Darling MEP, member of the European Parliament international trade committee, said:
"Today's resolution shows that Europe is watching the treatment of the Swazi people by their own government closely, and that we are willing to use economic levers to protect human rights. The way our trade union brothers and independent journalists are being treated is despicable, and I am glad that MEPs from across the political spectrum have called for the immediate and unconditional release of Thulani Maseko and Bheki Makhubu."
