Eugene Dube

Forced to flee abroad

Eswatini


After Covid-19 reached Eswatini (the former Swaziland), the authorities warned journalists that criticism of King Mswati would be treated as “high treason,” which is punishable by death. When Swati Newsweek website editor Eugene Dube nonetheless published an article criticizing the kingdom’s handling of the health crisis, the authorities raided his home and subjected him to such a lengthy, heavy-handed interrogation that he fled to neighbouring South Africa.

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