The assassination of a prominent human-rights lawyer has rocked the small kingdom of Eswatini in the latest eruption of violence after years of brutal crackdowns on pro-democracy activists in Africa’s last absolute monarchy.
King Mswati III, who was crowned at the age of 18, has ruled the country as an absolute monarch for the past 37 years, often ruling by decree, appointing prime ministers and cabinet ministers. He has been criticized for his lavish spending, luxurious palaces and 15 wives in a country where poverty is widespread.
Mr. Maseko had repeatedly been arrested and jailed by the authorities in Eswatini. In 2014, he was sentenced to two years in prison after being charged with contempt of court for writing and publishing an article criticizing the country’s judiciary. Soon after the assassination of Mr. Maseko, the government issued a statement to express its condolences. “He will surely be missed,” the statement said.
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