THE African National Congress (ANC) this week accused authorities in neighbouring Swaziland of “gross violations of human rights” following unrest in the tiny kingdom. The party bemoaned the “land evictions, detentions, torture, harassment and the brutality of the Swazi police in response to peaceful demonstrations,” in a motion to the National Assembly. During two weeks of violent incidents in Swaziland last month, security forces beat and arrested protesters demonstrating against perceived human rights abuses. The ANC called on authorities “not to sanction actions of this nature” and urged a “peaceful resolution of these problems.” – AFP