|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Maseru, Lesotho – Tšolo Thakeli, a youth activist in Lesotho, was arrested after posting a video criticizing Prime Minister Sam Matekane for failing to address high unemployment. The video, shared widely online, questioned the government’s progress on job creation and resonated with many young citizens.
Thakeli, a 31-year-old father of two, was detained by armed police on Father’s Day shortly after publishing the video. Authorities initially sought to charge him with insulting the Prime Minister and inciting violence, but these charges were dropped due to lack of evidence. He was released and then re-arrested the same day, this time on charges of sedition.
He was held for two days before being released again, reportedly under warning from the national police chief not to mention the Prime Minister by name in future commentary. Thakeli has since continued his activism online, stating he feels compelled to speak out.
His arrest sparked protests in Maseru, the capital, and drew concern from regional human rights groups, who described the incident as a troubling attempt to silence peaceful criticism on pressing social issues.
