STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA 2022 ESWATINI: TENSIONS, SELFCENSORSHIP RIFE IN MEDIA LANDSCAPE is enduring and the murder of Swati human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko in January 2023, is indicative of the risk that human rights defenders, activists and outspoken opponents of King Mswati III and his government, face on a daily basis. Press freedom and freedom of expression are cripplingly constrained and the safety of journalists is wantonly disregarded.(1) Tensions have remained high since the wave of protests began in 2021 and the situation continues to deteriorate as Eswatini prepares for scheduled elections in September this year. By Mancoba Mabuza INTRODUCTION Y EARS of autocratic rule and repression under the leadership of King Mswati III came to a head over the last few years. Despite being brutally quelled, periodic protests persist in Eswatini. The high level of intolerance against any form of criticism 38 Police brutality is common and the excessive use of violence against protestors is meant to intimidate citizens into silence. Impunity is widespread because the government does not investigate, prosecute, or administratively punish officials, who commit human rights abuses. There was strong pushback from citizens with dissenting voices becoming stronger and intermittent demonstrations growing in volume and becoming more pronounced.