Treason charges for Swazi attacks

Pudemo leader Mario Masuku was tried for sedition in 2002

Twelve opposition activists in Swaziland are facing treason charges after a spate of petrol bomb attacks.

The 12 are members of the banned Pudemo party, which wants to end the absolute rule of King Mswati III. They could face the death penalty.

Pudemo leader Mario Masuku has denied that his party is linked to the attacks, in which no-one was killed.

Political parties are outlawed in Swaziland, which only got its first constitution in July.

The 12 were arrested two weeks ago after petrol bombs were thrown at courts, the houses of police officers and a government spokesman.

"We know the kind of game they are trying to play and that will not distract us from the path we have taken to have Swaziland liberated," Mr Masuku told the AFP news agency.