Leading lawyer out on bail
2009-06-16 21:12
Mbabane - Leading Swazi human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko was granted bail after he was arrested on charges of sedition and subversive activities, a fellow attorney said on Tuesday.
Maseko represents Mario Masuku, head of the banned People's United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), who was jailed in 2008.
Mzwandile Masuku, Mario's son who practises law with Maseko said that he was released on bail of 15 000 lilangeni ($1 865).
"The bail application was not opposed by the state and Maseko was not ordered to surrender his passport or travel document to the police," Masuku said.
He said Maseko will remain out on bail pending trial date setting for his case set to appear in the high court of Swaziland.
Maseko appeared before the high court of Swaziland in Mbabane following his arrest two weeks ago. He is facing sedition and subversive activities charges which carry a sentence of up to 20 years jail term.
The charges accuse him of praising two men implicated in the botched bombing of a bridge last September, saying they were working for the liberation of Africa's last absolute monarchy.
Maseko's law firm recently won a landmark case compelling the government to introduce free primary education, in line with constitutional requirements.
Swaziland is Africa's last absolute monarchy and political organisations here have been banned since 1973.
King Mswati III, who ascended the throne at age 18, has the power to appoint the prime minister, the legislature and the judiciary.
- SAPA