September 22, 2009 -- Morning Star -- Democracy activists in Swaziland celebrated on September 22 after the leader of the country's opposition was acquitted of terrorism charges and freed from prison after 340 days. Banned People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) leader Mario Masuku (pictured above) was arrested and charged with terrorism on November 15, 2008. The charge centred on seditious statements he had allegedly made during the funeral of a militant.

Judge Mbutfo Mamba acquitted Mr Masuku because the evidence was too weak to link him to the charge.

As Mr Masuku left the court amid scenes of jubilation, he told his comrades that the struggle for democracy and human rights in Africa's last absolute monarchy had only just begun.

In a message to all its supporters, PUDEMO spokesperson Zakhele Mabuza said: "The war still continues until the total liberation of the oppressed people of Swaziland. We have no doubt that you will still be fighting on our side even beyond this trial, for we now need to channel our energies towards ensuring that the royal regime is taken down brick by brick."

PUDEMO statement on the release of President Mario Masuku

By Zakhele Mabuza, PUDEMO national spokesperson

September 22, 2009 -- The Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) wishes to formally inform its members, allies and friends both at home and abroad of the acquittal and release of its president, Comrade Mario Masuku, a few hours ago. He had been charged for allegedly making ``seditious statements'' and ``supporting terrorism''. He had been in detention since November 2008.

Since his detention and subsequent banning of PUDEMO, Masuku and his organisation have remained resilient and refused to be intimidated by the oppressive and archaic tactics of the state. In court, the state failed to provide evidence and information to sustain the fabricated charge, hence Justice Mbutfo Mamba dismissed the case and granted Comrade Masuku his freedom.

Support and solidarity

PUDEMO wishes to express its appreciation for the unwavering support and solidarity displayed by our friends and allies both at home and abroad. They played an instrumental role in adding more pressure on the royal regime to release Comrade Masuku. We know this was only a battle and the war continues until the total liberation of the oppressed people of Swaziland. We have no doubt that you will still be fighting on our side even beyond this trial, for we now need to channel our energies towards ensuring that the royal regime is taken down brick by brick until its foundation is destroyed!

The legal team

We mentioned last week that as PUDEMO, we are very pleased with our legal team. This is a team of lawyers who have always fought fearlessly for the rights of the people. We wish to thank them for their excellent work and until Swazis are liberated they must know the challenge is still there and hope more lawyers will realise this and join the fight for the liberation of the politically oppressed and abused masses of our country.

The Masuku family

Throughout the challenge, the Masuku family has remained in support of Comrade Masuku and has never turned around to curse PUDEMO. This is because the family completely understands PUDEMO's mission of liberating the oppressed people of Swaziland. We salute Mrs Masuku for her resilence in the face of hostile and challenging circumstances that she was subjected to. But like a true fighter, she has remained strong and focused together with the entire extended Masuku family.

The way forward

The release of our president does not mean the people of Swaziland are now free. PUDEMO remains committed to ensure the full liberation and transformation of our people is realised as it is clearly explained in our document The Roadmap to a Democratic Swaziland, adopted in our sixth national congress in Matsulu in 2006.

Work therefore shall continue in spite of the dangers, threats, intimidation, kidnappings, assaults, torture, random raids, etc. constantly meted out by the oppressive regime on our members.

We therefore, shall continue to fight side by side with all our democracy-loving friends and allies until final victory!

Joint Swazi Action Campaign Committee (South Africa) salutes PUDEMO President Mario Masuku on his firm stance until the day of his release and calls for the intensification of the struggle for democracy