Fighting Censorship in Swaziland

On June 22, King Mswati III of Swaziland issued a royal decree that allows banning of publications without appeal, eliminates bail for some crimes, and increases the punishment for defamation. The royal edict was issued shortly after the banning of two publications critical of the monarchy. Human Rights Watch condemned the decree in a letter to the King and called on the Swaziland government to ensure basic human rights.