Cosatu welcomes the withdrawal of S.A advocates from Swaziland treason case 07-03-06

 

COSATU welcomes withdrawal of South African advocates from Swaziland high treason case

The Congress of South African Trade Unions hails the decision of the two South African advocates, Dr. Len Els and Anthony Viviers, not to represent the Swaziland state in the prosecution of leaders of the opposition People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), and others, for high treason and attempted murder.

We endorse the statement by the Swaziland Solidarity Network that "these lawyers have followed their conscience and have correctly refused to be used by the evil Swazi regime against the people of Swaziland".

COSATU once more demands that the Swazi dictatorship drop all these trumped-up, politically motivated charges against pro-democracy activists, release all political prisoners and allow political opposition parties and trade unions to operate freely, in accordance with international conventions.

COSATU congratulates and thanks all its members who gave up their time today to attend the successful protest demonstrations at all four border crossings between South Africa and Swaziland, and promises that more such action will follow if the regime does not listen to the legitimate demands of the people for democracy to be introduced and human rights respected.