The Human Rights Actions Network - Derechos Human Rights
http://www.derechos.org/human-rights/actions/


Case SWZ 040297

The International Secretariat of OMCT requests your urgent
intervention in the following situation in Swaziland.

Brief description of the situation :
ICFTU (International Confederation of Free Trade Unions), a member of
the network, has expressed its grave concern over the arrests of Mr
Richard NXUMALO, Mr Jan SITHOLE, Mr Jabulani NXUMALO and Mr Themba
MSIBI, all senior leaders of the Swaziland Federation Trade Unions
(SFTU).

According to information received, Mr Richard NXUMALO, Mr Jan SITHOLE,
Mr Jabulani NXUMALO and Mr Themba MSIBI were arrested on 1 February
1997 by the security forces. On the same day the SFTU's offices were
entered and searched by police officers. It is alleged that their
arrest is a deliberate attempt to pre-empt the SFTU's call for a
national "stay-away" by workers on 3 February 1997.

Due to the systematic repression of trade union rights by the Swazi
authorities going back several years, and a serious deterioration in
the political situation, the International Secretariat is gravely
concern over the personal safety of these persons who may be at risk
of torture and other ill-treatment.

Action requested :
Please contact the authorities of Swaziland urging them to :

i.	take the appropriate measures to guarantee the physical and
psychological integrity of Mr Richard NXUMALO, Mr Jan SITHOLE, Mr
Jabulani NXUMALO and Mr Themba MSIBI;

ii.	order their immediate release if they are detained without valid
charges or, if such charges exist, bring them before a competent
impartial tribunal and guarantee their procedural rights at all times;

iii.	guarantee at all times respect for human rights and fundamental
freedoms in accordance with national laws and international standards.

Addresses :
Dr. Barnabus Sibusiso Dlamini, Prime Minister, Government of
Swaziland, Mbabane, Swaziland Fax : (+ 268) 43943

The representatives of Swaziland in your respective countries

Geneva, 4 February 1997

Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the code of this
appeal in your reply.

Ben Schonveld 
Projects Manager
OMCT-SOS-Torture
Fax 4122 733 1051
Ph  4122 733 3140
OMCT is: l'Organisation Mondiale contre la Torture
         The World Organisation Against Torture


http://www.omct.org/