Swaziland – 2 July 2015

Swaziland’s Massive Military Spending
A new report shows Swaziland spent US$259.8 million on its military in the past three years.
In 2014 military spending amounted to 5.9 percent of all government, spending in Swaziland, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its Military Expenditure Database for 2015.
AllAfrica.com

EU hails judgment as best for Swaziland
The European Union which has been following the case of Bheki Makhubu and Thulani Maseko with a keen interest says the latest judgment is good for justice in the country.
EU Ambassador to Swaziland Nicola Bellomo and United States of America Ambassador to Swaziland Makilla James used to attend the trial of the two. Yesterday, Bellomo was in court again and witnessed the release of Makhubu and Maseko from jail.
Swazi Observer

Pressure Brings Early Release of Prisoners
Swazi human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko and journalist Bheki Makhubu are being released from prison in Swaziland two weeks before the end of their sentences for criticising the lack of independence of the judiciary, following sustained international pressure. Maseko had been put into solitary confinement after the publication of a prison letter marking the one-year anniversary of his detention. Their release was ordered after Swaziland’s Supreme Court overturned the judgement against them.
Scoop

Swazi court orders release of editor, human rights lawyer
Maseko and Makhubu were convicted of contempt of court and sentenced to two years in prison in March 2014. On Tuesday, Swaziland’s Supreme Court ordered their immediate release.
According to the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC), which has supported their case, their release follows an appeal against their conviction, which was not opposed by the directorate of public prosecutions.
Mail& Guardian