Eswatini Faces Legal Battle Over Secretive U.S. Deportee Deal
Human rights lawyers in Eswatini have sued the government over a secretive deal with the Trump administration to accept deportees from the U.S. The agreement is alleged to be unconstitutional due to lack of parliamentary approval. A court case initially set for hearing was postponed to September 25.
Human rights lawyers and activists in Eswatini have initiated legal action against the government, challenging a clandestine agreement made with President Donald Trump's administration. This deal involves accepting deportees from the United States, which the plaintiffs argue is unconstitutional due to bypassing parliamentary approval.
Initially slated for a hearing, the High Court case was delayed to September 25, as the Eswatini government had not filed response papers. The Attorney General, Sifiso Khumalo, dismissed the case as legally unfounded. Eswatini received five deported individuals from varying countries, all convicted felons, who are currently in solitary confinement.
Advocates from the Eswatini Litigation Centre criticize the lack of transparency and fear for the welfare of the deportees, who remain inaccessible. The State claims the agreement benefits diplomatic ties with Washington. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration has been approached for assistance but remains undecided.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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