SWAZILAND: Draconian anti-terrorism bill resubmitted after fire bombings

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

MBABANE, 14 Oct 2005 (IRIN) - A post-9/11 anti-terrorism bill submitted to the Swazi parliament but then suspended without passage has been tabled again in the wake of two recent fire bombings in the capital, Mbabane.

The Internal Security Act, described when it was first introduced in 2002 by former Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini as "Makhundu" (a heavy bludgeon), was criticised by pro-democracy groups for its suspension of civil liberties, harsh penalties, and too broad a definition of what constitutes terrorism.

"The law was brought to parliament a long time ago, and after consultation there was a public outcry that it would infringe on human rights. The act was put aside. We are bringing it back to parliament, and the issue of human rights will be looked into," current premier Themba Dlamini assured MPs this week.

Police have not announced any progress in the investigation into the two fire bombings earlier this month. The attacks caused no injuries, but resulted in a burnt office at the National Court Building in downtown Mbabane, and a scorched wall outside the home of government spokesman Percy Simelane.

The Human Rights Association of Swaziland said on Friday that the perpetrators of the arson incidents should be pursued, and draconian legislation should wait.

But on Thursday the House of Senate congratulated the prime minister for reintroducing the anti-terrorism legislation.

Opposition groups said there were concerns that the law would be used by King Mswati III, sub-Saharan Africa's last absolute monarch, to stifle dissent.

"It is very unfortunate that we are going to revive laws that are trampling on people's rights," said Alex Langwenya, president of the Swaziland Youth Congress, the youth wing of the banned opposition party, People's United Democratic Movement.

Jan Sithole, secretary-general of the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions, commented, "The Internal Security Act of 2002, which government is reviving, has nothing to do with fighting terrorism - it is directed at infringing on rights and freedoms."

[ENDS]