United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk on Monday condemned the “brutal murder” of a leading pro-democracy activist in the southern African nation of Eswatini, which is one of the few absolute monarchies. that are left in the world.
Human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko was shot at his home on Saturday, Türk said in a statement.
He called on the Eswatini authorities to ensure that there is an independent and effective investigation into the murder.
Maseko was a leading figure in pushing for Eswatini to transition to a multi-party democracy. He was jailed in 2014 for allegedly criticizing the judicial system’s lack of independence, the UN said. He was acquitted on appeal and released a year later.
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The United Nations human rights chief announced on Monday the killing of an activist in Eswatini. Authorities say Thulani Maseko was shot at his home.
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Eswatini was formerly known as Swaziland and is a country of just over 1 million people that borders South Africa and Mozambique. It is the last remaining absolute monarchy in Africa and has been ruled by King Mswati III since 1986.
The country was embroiled in pro-democracy protests two years ago, when there were reports of state violence against protesters and King Mswati III was accused of suppressing any opposition.
Amnesty International said it believed Maseko was killed because of his work as a human rights lawyer and also called for a proper investigation. Maseko was reportedly shot twice through the window of his house, Amnesty said.
At the time of his death, Maseko was working as a lawyer for two people facing trial for crimes allegedly committed during the 2021 unrest, the UN said.
