The EU is deeply concerned by the sentencing on 15 July of the former Members of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube to 25 and 18 years of imprisonment, respectively.

The EU continues to call on the Government of Eswatini to ensure that the human rights of all, including the two former Members of Parliament, are upheld in line with its international obligations. Eswatini’s authorities must ensure the independence of the judiciary and the right to fair trial and due process for everyone at all stages of their trial and any possible appeals.