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. An editor with the Sunday Times, Bheki Makhubu, was arrested in December on charges of defaming the king s intended eighth wife after saying she was a poor student as a teenager. He was later released on bail.
Freedom of religion is respected, and a variety of Christian sects operate freely.
Nongovernmental organizations not involved in politics are also permitted. Several political groupings operate openly despite their official prohibition, but members sometimes are harassed or detained. Swazi women encounter discrimination in both formal and customary law. Married women are considered minors, requiring spousal permission to enter into almost any form of economic activity. Women are allowed only limited inheritance rights.