TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 127

CONFIDENTIAL

SOTHO

Report by the British High Commission, Meseru

Right No.

Rating suggested by Post

(i)

Although there was some detention and house arrest without trial after the coup of 1970, this seems not to have occurred since 1973.

Comment by Central and Southern African Department

We would suggest a rating of 2.

(ii) There were allegations of brutality during

the unrest in 1970 and 1974, and the Police may be rough with suspects. still, but there is no indication of systematic torture.

Comment by Central and Southern African Department

We would suggest a rating of 2.

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(iii)

There has been no recent tradition of slavery.

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(iv) Opposition parties' organs were banned

during the period of political unrest 1970-74 but a vigorous vernacular press-- critical of the regime is tolerated. Lesotho is however run as a Government Department.

Comment by Central and Southern Africa Department

We would suggest a rating of 1.

Radio

(v) The independence of the judiciary has been

maintained since colonial days.

(vi) There is no trade union system in Lesotho.

Comment by Central and Southern Africa Department

We suggest a rating of 2, representing our guess as to what freedom of action trade unions might have if they existed.

(vii) There is free movement.

CONFIDENTIAL

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