Lesotho soldiers to go on trial for attack on journalist
Amnesty International believes the trial of five members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) in connection with the attempted murder of journalist, Lloyd Mutungamiri, is a first step towards justice.
The editor of the Lesotho Times suffered near fatal gunshot wounds after being attacked outside his home in Maseru in July 2016 following the publication of an article, alleging that the outgoing LDF head, Tlali Kamoli, was to receive an exit package of approximately US$3.5 million.
Mutungamiri who was shot twice, was left in a critical condition after one of the bullets shattered his lower jaw, requiring him to undergo extensive facial surgery.
A brigadier and four soldiers will stand trial for the attack.
Amnesty's Shireen Mukabam said the trail needs to send a clear message to the Lesotho authority that the targeting of journalist will no longer be tolerated.
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"This trial needs to send a clear message that the targeting of journalists will no longer be tolerated in Lesotho. The press must be allowed to do their job without living in constant fear of reprisals.
"Our hope is that, through a fair, independent and impartial trial, justice is served and journalists can carry out their work in a safe environment.”
The trail is set to start on the 13th Decmber