A court in Eswatini has found two lawmakers guilty of murder and terrorism for their roles in the country’s 2021 wave of protests.
Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The two were arrested after participating in pro-democracy protests in Africa’s last absolute monarchy.
They both pleaded not guilty to inciting riots.
According to Amnesty International, the convictions demonstrate the country’s ongoing crackdown on dissent.
The security forces violently suppressed the protests, killing dozens of people.
Since 1986, Eswatini has been ruled by King Mswati III, and political parties are barred from participating in elections.
Protesters, enraged by economic decline, have become more vocal in their demand for political reform.
