LAWYERS FIGHT SWAZI'S DEPORTATION

The Swazi ‘democracy activist’ who was supposed to have been deported from Britain on Tuesday last week has still not been deported.

This is because her lawyers are fighting her deportation order.

According to Tony Dykes, Director of Action Southern Africa (ACTSA), Thobile Gwebu, the democracy activist who organised weekly demonstrations Swaziland Vigil at the Swazi Embassy in Britain, was still fighting against her deportation order.

Gwebu was detained on August 12 and scheduled to be deported on August 17.

"On August 16, I was informed that her lawyer was appealing the order to deport her and if that was not successful, would seek an injunction. I wrote to the Home Secretary requesting her deportation to be stopped as we had concerns about her wellbeing if she returned to Swaziland," Dykes said when asked about Gwebu’s whereabouts.

Gwebu is one of the pro-democracy Swazis who organised a weekly night vigil in Britain, picketing the kingdom’s embassy, advocating for democracy in Swaziland.

The night vigil was to try and organise Swazis living abroad as well as other solidarity activists from Africa to protest against the country.

SOURCE: Times of Swaziland

SUBVERSION AT SWAZILAND ‘TIMES’?

Is there subversion at the Times of Swaziland?

I ask because it ran a story about the Swaziland Vigil that takes place each Saturday in London, UK, to protest against the human rights violations in the kingdom ruled by King Mswati III, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch.

The story, clearly sourced from the Swaziland Government, said they had ‘fingered’ who was leading the vigil. This made it seem like the Vigil is some sort of subversive organisation when nothing could be further from the truth. You can read all about its purposes and much more at its website.

So no story there. But the Times, having told readers the vigil was at the Swaziland High Commission, London, then added, ‘The demonstrations take place every Saturday from 10am to 1pm to protest against gross violation of human rights, political freedom, freedom of speech, the rule of law, respect for women and affordable ARV drugs.

‘The ‘Swazi vigil organisers’ intend continuing with the demonstrations until there is what they have termed ‘respect for human rights and democracy in Swaziland.’

Which tells us all we need to know if we want to join the vigil - short of telling us which public transport to use to get there.

So my service to the cause is this: Go to the High Commission at 20 Buckingham Gate, London – nearest Underground stations, Victoria or St James Park.

WHERE IS SWAZILAND ACTIVIST?

Swaziland democracy activist Thobile Gwebu was due to be deported from London, UK, yesterday (Tuesday 17 August 2010). Does anyone know where she is now?

HOW TO SUPPORT SWAZI ACTIVIST

Campaigners for Thobile Gwebu, the Swaziland pro-democracy activist about to be deported from the UK are calling on supporters to protest to the government and to the airline Virgin Atlantic that will fly her out of the country.

Gwebu is the co-ordinator of the Swaziland Vigil which has been campaigning every Saturday for human rights in Swaziland outside the Swaziland High Commission in London since January.

She is due to be put on a plane in London for South Africa on Tuesday 17 August at 20.30 local time.

Supporters strongly believe that Gwebu will be at considerable risk if returned to Swaziland, ruled by King Mswati III, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch.

The Swazi state has been terrorising opposition in Swaziland and in May 2010 democracy activist Sipho Jele died while in custody, sparking fears that he was murdered. An inquest into his death was opened but has been adjourned indefinitely.

Zimbabwe Vigil, one of the main groups supporting Gwebu,has issued this guide on how people can help.

Phone, fax or email the following, explaining that sending Thobile Gwebu back to Swaziland will put her at considerable risk because she will be known as a pro-democracy activist to the authorities there – a country of extreme repression. Sending her back will be a serious breach of human rights. Put pressure on the airline to refuse to take her.

You will need to include her full name: Thobile Phyllis Gwebu and Home Offfice Reference: G1151098.

1. Virgin Atlantic:

Flight Information: 0844 209 7770 (Open 24 hours/day)

Head Office: 0844 811 0000

Advanced Passenger Information: 0844 209 8703

Fax: 0844 209 8708

(UK country code 44)

customer.services@fly.virgin.com

2. Eaton House, UK Border Agency

Tel 020 8814 5144 Fax 020 8814 5143

(UK country code 44)

3. The Home Secretary

Rt. Hon Theresa May, MP

Secretary of State for the Home Office

3rd Floor, Peel Buildings

2 Marsham St

London SW1 4DF

Fax: 020 8760 3132, 020 7035 4745

(UK country code 44)

Email: public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk