[wanabidii] Press Releases: U.S. Dismayed by Harsh Sentence for Swazi Human Rights Lawyer and Journalist

You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Press Releases: U.S. Dismayed by Harsh Sentence for Swazi Human Rights Lawyer and Journalist 07/25/2014 06:23 PM EDT U.S. Dismayed by Harsh Sentence for Swazi Human Rights Lawyer and Journalist Press Statement Marie Harf Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC July 25, 2014 The United States is deeply dismayed by the sentencing of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko and magazine editor Bheki Makhubu to two years in jail without the option of parole for a contempt of court conviction for publishing an article critical of the High Court of Swaziland. Their already prolonged pretrial detention, conviction, and harsh sentence appear to be in conflict with Swaziland’s human rights obligations, particularly the right to freedom of expression, which is enshrined in Swaziland’s own constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United States continues to support and defend freedom of expression and is gravely concerned by the actions of the Swazi Government. The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. Stay connected with the State Department:   External links found in this content or on Department of State websites that go to other non-Department websites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.  Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of State. This email was sent to wanabidii@googlegroups.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Department of State · 2201 C Street NW · Washington, DC 20520

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