We stand firmly with T’solo Thakeli, a 31-year-old lawyer and entrepreneur from Lesotho, enduring relentless persecution, unjust arrests, and severe harassment by the Lesotho government. His courage in challenging injustice embodies a commitment to transparency and human rights. We condemn the ongoing violations of his fundamental rights.
Thakeli exercised his right to free expression, protected by Lesotho’s constitution and international law, through a social media video questioning the government’s claim of creating 70,000 jobs in two weeks. He highlighted the absence of these jobs in the 2025/26 budget, unclear funding, and rising youth unemployment amid corruption and unmet socio-economic promises.
On 14 June 2025, police stormed Thakeli’s home in Teyateyaneng, Berea District, detaining him without a warrant. This illegal detention lasted until 15 June, with his phone seized unjustly. Despite no evidence, he faced further detention in harsh winter conditions, denied basic provisions, and endured prolonged questioning. Post-release, intimidation continued through additional arrests and coercive interrogations.
Thakeli’s detention violates his freedom of expression under Article 19 of the ICCPR and Article 9 of the ACHPR. The warrantless arrest and inhumane conditions breach Article 9 of the ICCPR, Article 6 of the ACHPR, and the UN’s Nelson Mandela Rules. The government’s life-threatening intimidation to silence his advocacy contravenes the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (1998), which protects those promoting human rights.
We urge the Government of Lesotho to halt all harassment and illegal actions against Thakeli and others, demanding accountability for involved officers, transparency, and adherence to human rights obligations. Thakeli’s fearless advocacy inspires hope for fairness. We stand with him and Lesotho’s youth, calling for justice, democracy, and dignity. The government must protect freedoms without retribution.
ACTSA and Makomborero Haruzivishe, ACTSA Advisory committee and human rights defender