EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: AFR 55/03/94

Distr: UA/SC

16 December 1994

Further information on EXTRA 65/94 (AFR 55/01/94, 21 November 1994) and follow-up (AFR 55/02/94, 8 December) - Potential prisoners of conscience

SWAZILANDMphandlana Shongwe)

Thandeka Nxumalo)supporters of the

Msongelwa Lukhele)People's United

Zake Ginindza)Democratic Movement

Andreas Lukhele)of Swaziland (PUDEMO)

Wiseman Mabuza)

Joseph Silindza)

At a hearing in the Lobamba magistrate's court on 14 December 1994, the magistrate postponed making a ruling on the request by the Director of Public Prosecutions that the suspended sentences against Mphandlana Shongwe and Msongelwa Lukhele be revived.

The magistrate appears to have accepted the defence argument that the magistrate's court does not have the power to make a ruling on this issue until after the Court of Appeals has ruled on the appeal of the seven PUDEMO supporters against the convictions and sentences imposed on them on 24 November. The Court of Appeals hearing will not take place until March 1995 at the earliest.

On 14 December the magistrate extended bail provisions for Mphandlana Shongwe and Msongelwa Lukhele. Their next appearance before the magistrate's court is scheduled for 11 January 1995.

No further action by the Urgent Action Network is requested at this stage.