Eswatini: Further information: Former MP pardoned; other still detained: Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza, Mthandeni Dube

Eswatini: Further information: Former MP pardoned; other still detained: Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza, Mthandeni Dube

Former Eswatini Member of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza has been arbitrarily detained since 25 July 2021 under politically motivated charges. He has been subjected to beatings, denied timely access to his lawyer, and medical care. His prosecution stems from the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression, association and political participation. In a joint trial with former MP Mthandeni Dube, the two were convicted and sentenced in July 2024 to lengthy prison terms following proceedings marred by serious due process violations. Mthandeni Dube was pardoned on 5 November 2025 and conditionally released under severe restrictions on his speech, movement, and political activity, while Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza – whom Amnesty International considered a prison of conscience – remains imprisoned.

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