- Government and military accused of meddling in courts
Judges and lawyers in Lesotho are increasingly facing intimidation and harassment, particularly from the military and other state actors, according to Amnesty International’s (AI) latest State of the World Human Rights Report, released in April 2025.
AI stated that reports indicated that in Lesotho, harassment was used to influence judicial outcomes that were favourable to the government’s or military’s interests.
Government spokesperson Thabo Sekonyela has strongly denied the allegations, insisting that the government respects the principle of separation of powers.
“The judges were not appointed by this administration. They were appointed under previous governments, yet we have not sought their removal. On the contrary, we support them to carry out their duties without fear or prejudice,” Sekonyela said.
Last year, Deputy Commander of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), Major General Matela Matobakele, stirred controversy by accusing judges, human rights defenders, and activists of siding with criminals instead of victims. He questioned whether these groups would remain sympathetic if their own families were harmed by criminals.
Matobakele’s remarks, widely seen as inflammatory, prompted strong condemnation from several rights groups.
SECTION 2, a constitutional rights advocacy group, described the comments as a “vicious attack on human rights defenders, lawyers, and the judiciary,” and warned that they undermine the foundations of justice and the rule of law.
“It is an abhorrent proposition that echoes the darkest days of autocracy and dictatorship. Such statements from high-ranking officials are not only irresponsible but also serve to intimidate those who work tirelessly to uphold justice and protect human rights in Lesotho,” SECTION 2 said.
“The assertion that human rights are a stumbling block for the army is a direct affront to the principles enshrined in our Constitution. It is the duty of the judiciary and human rights defenders to ensure that the rights of every individual, including those accused of crimes, are protected,” it added.
SECTION 2 said this was a cornerstone of any democratic society and one that must be fiercely defended.
Despite widespread criticism, the government did not publicly reprimand Matobakele. Instead, it defended his remarks, calling them an expression of frustration over rising crime levels.
Sekonyela yesterday argued that it was “highly misguided” to suggest that Matobakele’s comments were evidence of government or military interference in the judiciary.
The Amnesty report also raised concerns about ongoing abuse within Lesotho’s correctional facilities, citing findings from the Office of the Ombudsperson.
“At least 300 detainees at Maseru Correctional Centre Institution were subjected to such treatment by LCS correctional officers, according to the Office of the Ombudsperson’s findings, released in March (2024),” read the report.
“The government established an inquiry into the claims, but no further information on its progress was available at the end of the year,” it added.
In addition, the report criticised the Computer Crimes and Cyber Security Bill, warning that certain provisions criminalise online expression and impose harsh penalties, thereby posing a threat to freedom of speech.
“The bill raised fears among the media that it could lead to increased government surveillance and intimidation,” the report stated.
AI also drew attention to the chilling impact of violence against journalists. It said the May 2023 assassination of outspoken journalist Ralikonelo Joki by unidentified gunmen led to widespread fear and self-censorship among media professionals.
“In April 2024, journalists from the Lesotho Tribune were repeatedly threatened and harassed by unknown individuals in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to silence their investigative work. Other media practitioners experienced similar intimidation,” the report noted.
In its global overview, Amnesty International warned that the world stands at a historic crossroads, as authoritarian forces increasingly attack the ideals of universal human rights.
“Religious, racial, and patriarchal extremism is fuelling an economic order rooted in greater inequality, threatening 80 years of progress in equality, justice, and human dignity,” the organisation said.
Authored by our expert team of writers and editors, with thorough research.
