The decree covers serious crimes, including murder, robbery, rape, weapons violations, and poaching. The Swazi Law Society and international groups have protested that the decree effectively denies the presumption of innocence and convicts people without trial. There are regular reports of police brutality. Freedom of expression is seriously restricted, especially regarding political issues or matters regarding the royal family. In November, a senior minister threatened to bar South African journalists after they generated critical coverage of the election process.
Legislation bans publication of any criticism of the monarchy.
The constitutional commission has broad authority to prosecute people who belittle or insult it. Self-censorship is widespread. The Times of Swaziland, the only independent newspaper, is routinely harassed by the government. State-run television and radio stations are closely controlled by the government. Broadcast and print media from South Africa are received in the country.