CONFIDENTIAL
SWAZILAND
Report by British High Commission, Mbabane
Right No.
(i)
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Detention without trial for up to 60 days is permitted under the Proclamation of 16 April, 1973, which abrogated the Consti- tution. A person released from such deten- tion may again be detained and held for 60 days without trial. When the Constitution was abrogated much concern was felt over the activities of three Opposition MPs who had just been elected to Parliament, and they were detained under the new provision. Their leader has since spent several periods in detention without trial - the last being in 1975. There are at present no known political detainees, though the provision is said to be used by the Police to detain without trial persons suspected of criminal activity.
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Torture is not known to be used.
(ii)
(iii) There is no slavery.
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(iv)
The policies of the King, who rules by pro- clamation, have widespread support. But opposition is stifled; persistent and out- spoken criticism of the King can lead to detention without trial.
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(v)
The judiciary is independent, and has so far resisted attempts to erode its powers in terms of refusing to exempt Ministers, etc. under the law.
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(vi)
(vii)
The Swazi traditional hierarchy is opposed to the concept of trade unionism and, though not specifically proscribed, trade union activities are nullified by the 1973 Proclamation which treats as unlawful the assembly of persons without the prior consent of the Commissioner of Police. Workers' Councils are encouraged.
There are no restrictions on emigration.
CONFIDENTIAL
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